In 1877 Vincent van Gogh lived in Amsterdam. He hadn’t started his career as a painter yet, but was preparing for theology studies at the university. Van Gogh had already been working for the art dealers Goupil & Cie in London. To give his mother a painting would be too expensive. Read below what he could afford.

Today 144 years ago, on 27 August 1877,

Vincent van Gogh wrote from Amsterdam:

"My dear Theo, It’s nearing Ma’s birthday, so I’m sending you herewith a money order for 1.23 1/2 guilders, because I’d very much like to give something together with you. It isn’t much, but it’s all I have; if you add the same amount to it then we can nonetheless get a good photograph.”

Portrait of Van Gogh's Mother
Arles, 1888
Oil on canvas
40.5 × 32.5 cm
Norton Simon Museum of Art, Pasadena, California

You may also like to read:
What did Van Gogh buy for his mother’s birthday?
Portrait of Van Gogh's Mother.

Your daily dose of Van Gogh.

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      27-08-2021 19:34     Comments ( 0 )
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