“Dear Theo”, the first words Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother in 1872. An iconic correspondence followed that would come to an abrupt end in 1890. In 819 letters we get a unique glimpse into the thoughts of this world famous painter.
“In order to do good work you have to eat well, be well housed, have a screw from time to time, smoke your pipe and drink your coffee in peace.” (Vincent van Gogh, 1888)
Now almost 150 years later, Vincent’s letters are as current, comforting and inspiring as when they were written. I can fully confirm Vincent’s advice… well, almost …
Vincent van Gogh Blues
Vincent van Gogh’s eventful life is synonymous with the “starving artist” cliche. During his life, his work didn’t yield a dime. Only after his death his genius was recognized. Not only are the paintings worth millions nowadays, everything he wrote turned out to be invaluable.
“A blues for Vincent sang the birds in the field” (after Cornelis Vreeswijk a Dutch singer-songwriter)
Like any creative maker, I have doubts about my work, the usefulness and of course the money. It is comforting to read that a great artist like Vincent had the same doubts every day.
Empathize how he desperately found the power to work on his oeuvre. Not to mention the financial problems that are practically recurring in each letter. In Antwerp he wrote to Theo that by smoking a lot, he did not suffer from his empty stomach.
And still are trivial things like food, clothes and a roof over my head things that keeping me from working . I don’t have to fear hunger. Luckily because I don’t smoke…
Degas bare buttocks
“You must in any case go to the museum often, it’s good to be acquainted with the old painters, too, and if you get the chance read about art[..]” (Vincent van Gogh, 1873)
Vincent also gives advice that I follow completely. Visiting museums to get to know new and old masters is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for me. And after reading his letters, of course, I had to go to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Just when we reserved our tickets, a little riot broke out in our muddy country. The recent purchase of Edgar Degas’s pastel “Bathing Woman” by the Van Gogh Museum could perhaps be offensive.
An insignificant discussion, not even worth a footnote in art history canon. I can only be surprised about it. A “bare buttocks” riot of “good little citizens” as Vincent would call it.
Take the example of Vincent and be inspired by everything. Also by bare buttocks (whether or not of Degas).
Permanent source of inspiration
Although Vincent never made ceramics, that doesn’t apply to his fellow impressionists. Paul Gauguin, an artist with whom he lived in Arles for some time, has not only painted. In collaboration with Ernest Chaplet, Gauguin has successfully worked in clay (reduction fired stoneware).
Despite their fight with the dramatic ending, Vincent held no grudges against Gauguin. In his last letter to Theo on July 23, 1890, he writes with admiration about his work he had painted in Brittany.
A few days later, Vincent shot himself in the chest. On July 29, he died in bed with his beloved brother Theo by his side. A sad end to an eventful life.
But his work and life are an enduring source of inspiration of priceless value. This applies not only to painters, but to everyone, such as ceramists 🙂
Read Vincent’s letters yourself
- Vincent van Gogh – The Letters (website)
- Vincent van Gogh – the letters (the full, illustrated edition)
- Vincent van Gogh, a life in letters 1853-1890
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