【 VINCENT VAN GOGH: A LIFE IN LETTERS 】

Genre: Non-fiction
Audience: Adult
Author: Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen and Hans Luijten (eds)
Published: September 2020
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Pages: 432 (hardback)

This was astonishing to read and very well done. I’ve always been a fan of Van Gogh’s artwork and knew little bits and pieces about his life. But until now, I hadn’t really engaged in depth with what we do know about his life and the challenges he faced. So this was really special to spend time with and feel like I could get a true glimpse of the man himself.

This is an edited collection of Van Gogh’s letters, largely to his brother, Theo, but also to other people (friends, his sister, his mother). It’s structured chronologically and separated by short, 2-to-4 page editorial entries that catch the reader up on a new era of time, as it were, that you’re about to read and provide the wider context of what was going on. It also includes many illustrations/sketches of his work, which were lovely to see.

These little editorial interjections were immensely helpful. If you don’t happen to know his life story (I didn’t – well, unless you count that Doctor Who episode …), these really fill in the blanks and help you to get off on the right foot while reading the letters. They are all the letters penned by Van Gogh himself, so it’s a one-sided look into the correspondence (editorial comments to fill in previous correspondence he was referring to were thus v. useful. Plus, there are notes on the text at the end that provide further comments/context to particular lines of the letters.)

And it was magical. His way with words (and hats off to the translation efforts here) was actually shockingly fantastic. The way he describes colours and why/how he’d create a particular hue for a painting was gobsmacking. I don’t think I have nor could think of colours in the way that Van Gogh describes – it really gave me, at least, the impression of his underlying genius when it came to art.

I almost found it fascinating to read his philosophical ponderings – and the amazement of him referencing Dickens and other authors (Victor Hugo!), because of course, those publications existed in his time. It made Van Gogh feel that much more real and closer to our present day because these are books we could, and do, read even now. All his commentary on this material he engaged with really suggested the great volume of thoughts and introspection going on inside his head – he certainly would have been a fascinating person to sit down and talk to.

If you have any interest in Van Gogh, this is well worth the read. Learning about which painters inspired him and his thought process behind what did gives you a whole other perspective from which to view his work next time you have the privilege to do so.

Title: Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters
Author: Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen and Hans Luijten (eds)
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A remarkable selection covering all aspects of Vincent van Gogh’s life and offering valuable new insights into the creative process behind his many famous works.

This captivating collection of Vincent van Gogh’s letters opens a window into the mind of one of history’s greatest artists. Giving rare insight into his complicated relationships with family, friends, and other fellow artists, the letters describe his personal doubts, fears, and above all his overriding passion for his art.

Introductions by the letters editors from the Van Gogh Museum highlight the most recent discoveries and theories surrounding Van Gogh’s work and personal history. Illustrated with original manuscript letters, sketches, paintings, and photographs of correspondents, this book brings Van Gogh’s story and work to life.

Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters is a valuable personal introduction to the artist’s life and work, with illuminating commentaries by experts on the subject.