There are few people who have not heard of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. He was an amazingly prolific artist whose work continues to thrill people today. Even people barely familiar with his art are aware of his many problems. He is responsible for the most famous severed ear in history. Tragically, that is the only thing a lot of people know about him. There is so much more to this extraordinary artist than that.

Van Gogh was a tortured artistic genius who struggled to find his place in the world. He possessed a sensitivity and fraility that made him an outsider no matter where he went. He was unable to function in society and lived largely through the grace of his faithful brother Theo. The paintings he couldn't sell in his own lifetime now sell for seven or eight digit sums.

But for all the torment of his soul and the obvious psychological problems, Van Gogh was a well read and intelligent man. The letters he wrote to his brother Theo combine to form a remarkable body of work. They will also give one an elucidating glimpse into the creative process of an artist. The complete letters are over 1800 pages. The collection I have is only around 350 pages. This selection attempts to highlight the thoughts of this artist.

People interested in painting will find these letters invaluable. Van Gogh will describe in minute detail the fields he roamed, the buildings of a village or an orchard or the workers toiling in the fields. One can almost get a sense of the creative process at work. I found myself marveling at his ability to describe trees and plants so poetically. He could describe the hands of the workers tilling the soil or the leaves of a tree. Along with The Journal of Eugene Delacroix, this is an essential guide to the painter's vision.

The letters also reveal a profoundly spiritual man who attempted to find meaning in his life. "How can I be of use in the world?" is a question he asked several times. He tried the ministry and served in a lower class town. The town people ridiculed him as he refused to live a better standard than the laity. This is interesting as his willingness to live in poverty and wear rags in order to help the people is closer to Jesus than preachers who live in mansions and ride limosines.

He married unsuccessfully to a miserable woman. He intentionally picked a woman who was despondent and raising a child. His endeavors to please her were all in vain. He had the ill fated friendship with fellow artist Paul Gaughin. It seemed that there were only two constants in his life: His art and the unyielding faith and grace of his brother.

These letters also reveal a very literate man. He was well versed in Dickens and Hugo. In one letter he compares painters to writers. He writes "there is something of Rembrandt in Shakespeare, of Correggio in Michelet and of Delacroix in Victor Hugo. . .and in Bunyan there is something of Maris or of Millet and in Beecher Stowe there is something of Ary Scheffer." This reveals him to be very well read. He obviously tackled many of the great writers of his time.

There is an underlying sadness to the letters. At times, his desperation can be disturbing. "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart." I often times could feel his desolation. There is a wretchedness in his sorrow that can be heartrending. I do not doubt that he had a very pure heart. He just was never able to put it all together and find happiness or peace of mind.

And yet today, we can go to museums and marvel at the brilliant work he produced. He has inspired many artists all over the work with his life. I can not help but feel sorrow when I read these letters. Van Gogh probably could have been an accomplished novelist or poet had he pursued that end. There is a startling lucidity in his writing. He is able to describe matters in great detail. Most novelists would love to have the command of prose that Van Gogh turns in his writings.

I would suggest anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of the creative mind should read this book. The letters have appeal beyond just those that consider themselves fans of Van Gogh. It is some of the most heart rending prose I have read in a long time. And yet, I have to say that I felt inspired. For all the tragedy of his life, we are blessed with the beautiful art that lives on after his death.





Recommended: Yes