LONDON.- Vincent van Gogh’s letters have long been prized as some of the most valuable documents in the world of art. Not only do they throw light on Van Gogh’s own complex and intriguing character, they enlighten the whole creative process as seen through his eyes, with his extraordinary grasp of language and vivid prose.

Illustrated with original manuscript letters, sketches and paintings, this careful selection of seventy-six letters, provides a new and accessible edition of these intimate personal documents. Here we can observe Van Gogh’s thoughts and opinions at first hand, as well as his close ties with his brother Theo, his sometimes troubled relationships with friends, lovers, and fellow artists, his personal doubts and fears, his love of books, and above all his overriding passion for his art.

In this volume the letters are grouped chronologically and by geographical location, each section introduced with an illustrated summary text about Van Gogh’s life there, giving a background to his family and relationships and his developing artistic life, also signposting individual letters that characterize important periods.




This personal written testimony to a life consecrated to art will provide lasting pleasure to readers familiar with Van Gogh’s paintings, a treasure trove of biographical and art-historical information.

There will be an exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, ‘Your loving Vincent’: Van Gogh’s Greatest Letters, from October 2020 to January 2021.

Nienke Bakker, Leo Jansen and Hans Luijten are the original team who produced the acclaimed 6-volume edition at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, in partnership with the Huygens ING, Amsterdam, published by Thames & Hudson in 2009.

There is scarcely one letter by Van Gogh which I, who am certainly no expert, do not find fascinating. W.H. Auden