Essential Van Gogh

by Cutts Josephine

Vincent van Gogh changed the face of nineteenth-century painting, but tragically his skills were not recognized in his lifetime. Although his career was brief, he was a prolific Post-Impressionist artist of great and enduring talent.
Essential van Gogh looks at all aspects of his painting in detail, with detailed commentary on 120 of his works and additional imagery to highlight comparisons and contrasts in his style. Some of these are considered his most important pieces while others are less well-known, but they all played an important role in the artistic and philosophical development of this complex and talented individual.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just reread this. There is a short bio and then a painting on one side with a short explanation alongside it. So it's a quick read.

I would have enjoyed this more if it were not for the fact I picked it up to supplement my current reading of the dense, 900 pg. biography Van Gogh.

This book has the quick, brushed-over history I was familiar with: Van Gogh faced unbearable mental problems, was supported by Theo, and cut off his ear.

The larger book reveals how much of this is too simplistic and actually contributes to misunderstanding Van Gogh. There are absolutely false assertions in this text as well as many that are glossed over too quickly.

So I loved the pictures and large size of the pages, but did not find the history well-researched or presented. I will give more details in my review of Van Gogh when I finish. However, I am happy to have this large, color book on my shelves.

[Jelena Nemet · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don't know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.”
― Vincent Van Gogh

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this for the paintings, only kind of like it for the text. There is so much more to know about Van Gogh than they cover here, and the reproductions of his paintings are rather dulled. But his work is filled with so much vigor and energy and emotion, even washed-out reproductions can't hold them back.

[Amanda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

No slam to the master; it's just that for being such a sizable coffee table honkin piece, it has very few full-page works.

[Emma or Emily]

I’m not going to rate this because it is an art book and I am bound to not love at least a few of Van Gogh’s paintings. I did like the insight and histories that were given along with each painting and how some of the material was even of the letters shared between him and others (mostly his brother)

[Daphne Salinas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like the way the authors talk about mental illness, as if it wasn't real, but the three dollars I spent on this were worth it, I love that I can see Van Gogh's art whenever I please by just opening this book.

[olive tree · Rating 3 out of 5]

The commentary Josephine Cutts left was quite limited and, a good deal of pages in, got repetitive, even. It's great as an artbook and not much else. Provides basic information on paintings' biographical background.

[Dru · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Van Gogh but it also left me with a lot of questions. I also enjoyed seeing all of his works- I was not familiar with many of them!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of Van Gogh's artwork.
After reading "Lust for Life" about Van Gogh's life and how he became an artist, this book of artwork with information on the how, where and why of each painting or drawing was a great follow-up.

[Therese Gilardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book - like a garden between the pages