Van Gogh was not only an exceptional painter, but also a great writer of letters. His letters give us valuable insight in what Vincent actually thought about painting, nature, friendship, life. His letters show us how he struggled and what made him happy. Van Gogh’s personal tone and lively language help us to better understand his now world famous artworks. Is it possible to put a price on his letters?

210.600 euro for one letter.

The answer is yes. Meaning that yesterday letter 716 was auctioned in Paris. The Vincent van Gogh Foundation bought the letter for 210.600 euro to be exhibited in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It was one of the few privately owned letters and will soon be shown to the public.

Van Gogh and Gauguin writing together.

The auctioned letter is the only letter where Van Gogh leaves space for Paul Gauguin to write to their mutual friend Emile Bernard. Gauguin had just moved into Van Gogh’s ‘Yellow House’ in Arles in October 1888. Their fellow artist Bernard was to come and live with them as well making the house the ‘Studio of the South’.

The Brothels

The letter, dated Thursday 1 or Friday 2 November 1888 refers to two of Van Gogh’s paintings in this part:

"Now something that will interest you — we’ve made some excursions in the brothels, and it’s likely that we’ll eventually go there often to work. At the moment Gauguin has a canvas in progress of the same night café that I also painted, but with figures seen in the brothels. It promises to become a beautiful thing.”

You may also like to read:
How much are Van Gogh's letters worth
Van Gogh's panting The Brothel.

The Night Cafe Van Gogh
Our hand-painted reproduction of the Night Cafe.
      17-06-2020 17:19     Comments ( 0 )
Comments (0)

No comments found.