The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters

by Nienke Baker (contributor)

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is one of the greatest figures in Western art. Revered for his bold, expressionist paintings, he is also admired as a prodigious and eloquent letter writer. His correspondence displays a remarkable literary gift and an ability to communicate his ideas and feelings about nature, art, and life in direct, emotive language.

Illustrated with works of art and letters that demonstrate Van Gogh’s abiding preoccupations--the role of color in painting, the cycles of nature, and friendship, for example--this fascinating book explores the correspondence as a self-portrait of the artist and the man. The letter-sketches that Van Gogh used to describe completed works or those in progress are reproduced here alongside the finished paintings or drawings, providing a unique insight into his artistic development. Drawing on new and extensive research, leading authorities on Van Gogh reveal how the letters enhance and shape our view of this modern master.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

301 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[E. G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

President's Forward
Sponsor's Preface
Acknowledgements

Van Gogh's Letters: Windows to a Universe, by Niene Bakker, Leo Jansen and Hans Luijten

--Dutch Landscape, Ann Dumas
--'Wrestling with the Figures', Nienke Bakker
--Colour and Japonisme, Nienke Bakker
--The Modern Portrait, Ann Dumas
--The Revelation of the South, Leo Jansen
--Cycles of Nature, Nienke Bakker
--Art and Literature, Ann Dumas
--The Sacrifice for Art, Leo Jansen

Chronology
Bibliographic Sources
Lenders to the Exhibition
List of Unillustrated Works
Photographic Acknowledgements
Index

[Tim Newey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wonderful Read / Insight" - "Lovely"!!.. "Nice"!!.