The Wisdom of Van Gogh

“An intimate and insightful look into the personal thoughts of one of humanity’s most noted creative geniuses.”

“Some of Van Gogh’s most insightful reflections on art paired with gorgeous reproductions of his artwork.”

“Willett does a masterful job of story-telling by allowing van Gogh to speak for himself through his beautiful art and truly mind-melting words and ideas.”

“The quotes and color reproductions are profound and judiciously chosen. Endlessly rewarding.”

“Easily digestible and guaranteed to deepen your appreciation and understanding of this wonderfully complex artist.”

“Beautifully, smartly and sensitively put together. Perfect to sit down with first thing in the morning to jump-start one’s day, or simmer down in the evening with stunning art and provocative words.”

“Willett’s careful curation of these incredible morsels is clearly a labor of love.”

Vincent van Gogh was born on May 30, 1853, in the south of The Netherlands. The eldest child of a Dutch Reformed pastor and an amateur artist, van Gogh was intense and moody from an early age. He received public, private, and home schooling before dropping out at 15 to assist with family finances.

With the help of an uncle, van Gogh began as an apprentice at the internationally renowned art firm of Goupil and Cie. After a clerkship in The Hague, he worked as a sales representative in the firm’s London and Paris offices. However, his argumentative nature and strong opinions eventually led to his dismissal.

After holding several short-term jobs as a teacher and bookstore clerk, van Gogh decided to pursue the ministry, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Despite taking preparatory courses in Latin, Greek, and Theology, he failed to gain university entrance. Undeterred, he sought opportunities to teach and preach as a part-time evangelist in a Belgian coal-mining district. His fervent commitment led him to live under the same deplorable conditions as the miners, giving away much of his money, clothes, and food. After six months, the local church hierarchy, concerned by his zeal and declining health, urged him to consider another calling.

During this period, van Gogh began sketching local peasants. With his brother Theo’s assistance, he decided to pursue art full-time. Largely self-taught and eschewing formal art education, van Gogh amassed a prolific body of work over a 10-year career, including 864 oil paintings, 1,039 drawings, 150 watercolors, 10 lithographs, and 133 letter sketches. Many of these works are considered masterpieces, with several selling for over $100 million USD.

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