Much has been
written about the Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent
Willem van Gogh (1853 - 1890) including the biographical novel Lust
for Life written in 1934 by American writer Irving Stone (1903 - 1989), which
was later made into a film by the same name in 1956 starring Kirk Douglas as
the artist. As an art lover I have long been interested in the works by Vincent
von Gogh and read the Irving Stone book many years ago.
In the book, Vincent
van Gogh A Life in Letters edited by Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen, and
Hans Luijten, there is a preface which introduces the reader to a bit of background
history of the van Gogh family then delves into the letters from Vincent to his
brother Theo that begin on June 24, 1880 and conclude with his last letter
dated July 23, 1890 providing great insight into the lives of both brothers and
their interaction with one another. It should be noted that Vincent van Gogh
died on July 29, 1890, so the final letter takes on greater significance and
strength.
It is through
reading Vincent's letters which were translated into English, and through his
sketches and paintings that he often included in his letters to his brother,
that I felt that I had come away with a newfound knowledge and appreciation of
Vincent van Gogh after reading the book.
The letters not
only provide a fascinating introspective of his life, but they also demonstrate
how his work was progressing over the duration of the 10 years that comprise
the correspondence. Vincent's vivid descriptions enable the reader to clearly
visualize his progress of learning to create colors and developing his artistic
style to his thoughts behind each of the illustrations included in the letters.
Like so many
artists, Vincent van Gogh was misunderstood, and his work was unappreciated during
his lifetime, yet that did not deter him from pursuing his passion and creating
a prodigious and impressive body of work. During his lifetime he sold little to
nothing (one painting); today his paintings are not only highly regarded and
valued, they sell in the multi-million-dollar range. As an example of the value
of Vincent van Gogh's paintings in today's market, his Portrait of Doctor
Gachet sold for $82.5 million US dollars on May 15, 1990, almost 100 years
after Vincent's death.
If you love the
art of Vincent van Gogh and would like to know more about the man behind the
magnificent works of art, be sure to pick up a copy and read this impressive
book, Vincent van Gogh A Life in Letters edited by Nienke Bakker, Leo
Jansen, and Hans Luijten. This 448-page hardcover book with 85 illustrations
also makes a wonderful gift.
Until next
time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts.
Vincent
van Gogh A Life in Letters edited by Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen, and
Hans Luijten, published by Thames & Hudson, Ltd. in September 2020. Hardcover,
448 pages with 85 illustrations: $39.95, ISBN-10: 0500094241, ISBN-13:
9780500094242
The book is
available in bookstores and online, including Amazon and Thames & Hudson.
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