In Search of Van Gogh: Capturing the Life of the Artist Through Photographs and Paintings

(Hardback)

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Follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, from his birthplace in Zundert, Netherlands, to his last days in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, and explore the hidden inspirations behind the world-renowned artists most famous paintings in this beautiful art book and travelogue, illustrated with more than 250 black-and-white and full-color images throughout.

In 1990, two photographers and art enthusiasts, Danilo De Marco and Mario Dondero, set out to explore the details of Vincent Van Goghs life, retracing his journey across Europe by foot and by train. Armed with the love and knowledge of Van Goghs work, they traveled from the Netherlands to England, Belgium, and France to take in the sights as Van Gogh might have seen them a century earlier. They also turned to art historian Gloria Fossi to better understand, experience, and contextualize Van Goghs brilliant mind, drawing insights from his personal letters and other historical documents.

Van Goghs well-documented travels come alive in this gorgeous book which brings together the landscapes, architecture, portraits, and cultural references that inspired his art. The authors juxtapose vintage and contemporary photographs with Van Goghs renditions, demonstrating not only the passage of time, but Van Goghs unique artistic vision, brilliantly revealed brushstroke by brushstroke. From the Netherlands, where the artist was born, to his last days in France, no place he visited in his 37 years is left unexplored, and all have become timeless landmarks through his art.

In Search of Van Gogh brings into focus the places and objects that inspired and fueled Van Goghs artistic genius and offers fresh insights into his prolific work and process. In searching for the artists mind and soul, the authors create a pointillistic portrait of a human being whose life was remarkable, and whose story must be shared for generations to come.

Reviews

Art historian Fossi (Art in Florence) and photographers De Marco and Dondero trace how Vincent van Goghs travels inspired his art in this perceptive, richly illustrated work. Fossi maps out van Goghs life in chronological order, weaving together letters, paintings, and images, along with contemporary photographs from De Marco and Dondero, who set out on a trip across Europe to photograph the geography and places that inspired his works...Insightful and illuminating, this poetic work will entrance historians, artists, and art lovers. Publishers Weekly (starred review) With this compact trove of contemporary photographs juxtaposed with Van Goghs artworks, homes, and friendly commentary, the intensity of the artists life will go down more easily. Van Gogh fans will enjoy walking in his footsteps, and it will surely inform new audiences as well. Library Journal