Vincent and Theo Van Gogh: A Dual Biography

by Jan Hulsker

Book by Hulsker, Jan

Genres: Biography, Art

470 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1990

Reviews

[Dvora Treisman]

While the writing (or editing) could have been better, the subject was tremendously interesting. Hulsker seems to be THE authority on Vincent Van Gogh and I was very happy to be able to get hold of this out-of-print book and learn something closer to the truth about Vincent than a lot of the books and films floating around provide. It amazes me how so much of the general knowledge about Vincent is untrue and how so many authors take great liberties with his life. He had one of the most tragic lives and yet despite that is one of the all-time great painters. At least we could afford him the honor of not messing with what is actually known of his life and his suffering. I would recommend this book to anyone with a real interest in Vincent Van Gogh the man.

[Ryan]

This is a dual biography of the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh, along with his devoted brother, Theo. Written by Jan Hulsker, he mostly focuses on the preserved letters of correspondence between the two brothers to create the real-human image behind the tormented artist and the struggling businessman. Additionally, the author also uses other notable contemporary accounts and sources to further delve into the rich and mysterious lives of the Van Gogh siblings. And in the process, he sheds light on both brothers, showing that there is more than meets the eye. At the same time he also debunks some of the misconceptions and cliches associated with Vincent Van Gogh.

Not having read any other biographical works on Van Gogh, I found this dual biography to be quite humanizing of both Vincent and Theo. Hulsker was able to flesh out the details that public generally misses by using these letters as stepping stones in painting Vincent as an eccentric, and while at times difficult, not an insane individual until his final years. I come to see Vincent as an empathetic person who's actions don't quite fit the norm and that perhaps the perception of him being an unstable person are due to other factors beyond his control. Theo doesn't get as much spotlight, but the book shows the closeness he had with his older brother that was able to help him through his own troubles. So while the writing can be dry at times, I found Vincent and Theo Van Gogh to be a wonderful biography that shows what the man behind the myth that was Vincent Van Gogh.

[George]

A thorough, well documented, readable study of the famous artist and his closest friend, his art dealer brother. A combination of great erudition and sensitivity. Draws on many other sources in addition to the famous letters between the brothers.

[Montse]

As a companion piece, read "Van Gogh" by Steven Naifeh.

[Karen Robiscoe]

This weighty tome explores the bond between Theodore Van Gogh and brother Vincent in depth. Awesome, awesome read.