The Letters

The Original Publication

of the Letters Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo

Vincent van Gogh wrote a great many letters, mostly to his brother Theo. Fortunately for us these letters were kept, and in 1914 they were published for the first time. This painting is of that three volume original publication.

Because 2009 saw the publication of a very impressive undertaking, the six volume box set of all Vincent's letters illustrated with all the paintings and drawings to which he refers in his writings, I was very keen to complete this painting before the end of the year. I only just managed, but I'm pleased I could put my signature on it in the year of the republication of the letters.

"Vincent van Gogh's Letters"
Oil on canvas, 2009
50 cm x 40 cm

Of all the art that inspires my work, it is not a painting, but these letters which are foremost in importance. The books in this painting are the actual first edition and they are always with me. I have read them twice and know what's in them, but I'm still not finished reading. I would recommend these letters to anyone who wants to paint seriously because they give an unparalleled insight in what art is all about.

The decanter is also one of my favourites. Always on the kitchen worktop, and for the purpose of this painting filled with a fragant golden liquid called Asbach Uralt (no tea). To complement the composition I used this delicate glass from Frank Dux Antiques in Bath, England.

Finally, as for the spectacles I decided not to paint antique ones but my own, the ones I wear to read.

External Links

The Letters of Vincent van Gogh

The official website of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. This link will open the entrance page in the English language. Van Gogh Musuem

The announcement of the Van Gogh Letters Project on the website of the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam. This page lists some links to other interesting webpages with respect to the letters. Van Gogh Letters Project

The illustrated, annotated and translated letters are online, all of them! It's much nicer to have the books in your hands, of course, but if you can't get at them, reading them online is much better than not reading them at all. Vincent van Gogh, the Letters

To learn more about English Decanters and Carafes from the Georgian period, you might want to visit the site of Frank Dux Antiques in Bath, England, to browse a good selection of fine glass decanters, many of which are offered for sale: Antique Glass / Frank Dux Antiques