The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh - Hardcover

Van Gogh, Vincent

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1841197114 ISBN 13: 9781841197111

Publisher: Constable, 2003

Synopsis

This selection of letters by Vincent van Gogh helps to elucidate not only the creative processes involved in his painting, but also the tortured soul that lay behind the genius. Covering the years 1872-1890, from his time as an employee of the Art Gallery of Goupil in the Hague, to his final tragic months in Auvers-sur-Oise, this remarkable collection provides essential reading for anyone who seeks to know the real Van Gogh. The collection includes letters to his mother, fellow artists and, most notably, his beloved brother Theo, who supported Vincent emotionally and financially throughout his short life. This new edition includes a revealing memoir by the sister-in-law of the artist, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.

About this title

Review:

"The best book of writing on art I have read." -- The Week

From the Back Cover:

That Vincent van Gogh was one of the greatest painters in the history of European art is now generally accepted. That he was a man of high intelligence and tender affections these letters abundantly establish. By their directness and humility they bring us an intimate understanding of genius. To anyone interested in painting or in the mind of a creative artist they are indispensable.

But what makes them of supreme importance is their fascination for people who have, in the ordinary way, no particular interest in the arts. It is the human spirit, not fame of the artist, that is the secret of their perennial attraction.

This selection by Professor Mark Roskill, who contributes an introduction and notes, also includes the memoir of van Gogh written by his sister-in-law.

The cover shows van Gogh's portrait of his friend the postman Roulin, 'a man who is neither embittered, nor sad, nor perfect, nor happy, nor always irreproachably right. But such a good soul and so wise and so full of feeling and so trustful.'

About this edition

• Publisher: Constable
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1841197114
• ISBN 13: 9781841197111
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336
• Editor: Powell Elfreda