The Real Van Gogh

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 yet emotive language. Illustrated with works of art and letters that demonstrate Van Gogh's abiding preoccupations - the role of colour in painting, and the cycles of nature and friendship, for example - this fascinating book explores the correspondence as a written self-portrait that perfectly encapsulates artist and man. The letter-sketches that he used to describe completed paintings and works-in-progress are reproduced alongside their subjects, 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. AUTHOR: Nienke Bakker is Curator of Van Gogh Paintings at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Leo Jansen was Curator of Paintings at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, before leaving to work on the Mondrian Edition Project at the Netherlands Institute for Art History. SELLING POINTS: An intimate and intriguing look at the correspondence of Vincent van Gogh Letter-sketches provide a unique insight into the master's artistic development Integrates the newest research on the artist and his letters into a readable and highly informative text 150 colour