You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

the_imbecile_admirer's profile picture

the_imbecile_admirer 's review for:

The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh by Vincent van Gogh
4.0

#281
Book 42 of 2024- The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh
Author- Van Gogh

“Admire as much as you can. Most people do not admire enough.”

I’ve been eagerly waiting to delve into “The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh” for a long time. The Van Gogh Museum reels and the movie “Loving Vincent” reels kept appearing in my feed, which I took as a sign to finally read this book.This collection is not just a book to breeze through; it’s a work that demands to be read slowly and thoughtfully, absorbing the rich emotions embedded in each letter. Over the course of a month, I immersed myself in Van Gogh’s world, savoring each letter, each glimpse into his tormented yet brilliant mind.

The book presents an intimate portrait of Van Gogh, offering a profound insight into his inner life and the struggles he faced. His letters, primarily to his brother Theo, reveal the artist’s tumultuous emotions, his relentless pursuit of artistic expression, and the profound loneliness and hardship he endured. Reading about the stories behind his paintings and his ceaseless battle with mental illness was an emotional journey.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it brings to light the raw, unfiltered perspective of an artist’s life. Van Gogh’s intense passion for art, despite the lack of recognition during his lifetime, and his constant struggle with poverty and mental health issues, are deeply moving. His reflections on nature, his philosophical musings, and his unwavering dedication to his craft are both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

For anyone interested in understanding the real struggles of an artist, this book is a must-read. It not only highlights Van Gogh’s artistic genius but also humanizes him, showcasing his vulnerabilities and the sheer willpower that drove him to create some of the most iconic works of art in history