How did Vincent van Gogh become famous?
Self-Portrait (Dedicated to Paul Gauguin), 1888
Vincent van Gogh is now a world renowned artist of the 19th century, who highly influenced the art movements of the 20th century. However, during his lifetime his work received limited recognition and commercial success. Despite his artistic brilliance, Van Gogh faced numerous challenges and setbacks during his lifetime. He struggled with mental health issues and endured periods of isolation and self-doubt.
It wasn’t until after his tragic death in 1890 that his fame really started to grow. In this article, I explore the crucial Role of Johanna van Gogh-Bonger in promoting Vincent van Gogh’s artistic legacy after his death. If it was wasn’t for the efforts of Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, then the artworks of Van Gogh could have remained largely unknown and lost to future generations.
Van Gogh’s posthumous fame has allowed art enthusiasts and critics to reevaluate his work with fresh eyes. It unveiled the depth of his artistic vision, his mastery of colour and texture, and the profound emotional resonance captured in his paintings. The recognition of his artistic contributions went beyond mere admiration; it transformed Van Gogh into an iconic figure, whose impact on the art world continues to reverberate to this day.
Table of Contents
Vincent van Gogh’s Untimely Death and Unrecognised Talent
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman Behind the Artist
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s Guesthouse
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s exhibitions of Vincent van Gogh’s artwork
The Publication of Vincent van Gogh’s Letters
Vincent van Gogh’s Untimely Death and Unrecognised Talent
Vincent van Gogh’s life came to a tragic end on 29th July 1890, when he suffered a self-inflicted gun shot wound at the age of 37. The circumstances surrounding his death were marked by profound despair and emotional turmoil.
Despite Van Gogh’s immense talent, his artwork received little recognition and appreciation during his lifetime. His unconventional style and avant-garde approach to painting were often met with skepticism and indifference from the art establishment of the time. Van Gogh’s use of colour clashed with the prevailing artistic trends, leaving his work largely overlooked and undervalued.
The lack of recognition took a toll on Van Gogh’s spirit, amplifying his feelings of isolation and rejection. He struggled financially, often relying on the support of his brother Theo, an art dealer, to sustain himself. The scarcity of sales and public interest in his paintings added to his anguish, making it difficult for him to find solace in his art.
Starry Night, 1889
What makes Van Gogh’s limited recognition during his lifetime all the more poignant is the immense body of work he produced. Despite the hardships he faced, Van Gogh exhibited a remarkable level of productivity, creating over 2,000 artworks in various forms, including paintings, drawings, and sketches.
The unrecognised talent that permeated Van Gogh’s work is a reminder of the unrealised potential that existed within him. Had he received the recognition and support he deserved during his lifetime, his artistic trajectory could have been vastly different. Van Gogh’s extraordinary artistic abilities, combined with his relentless exploration of new techniques and subjects, hinted at a boundless creative future that sadly remained unfulfilled.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman Behind the Artist
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, 1889
Behind every great artist, there is often a dedicated and influential figure who plays a crucial role in shaping their legacy. In the case of Vincent van Gogh, that figure was Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, his sister-in-law. Johanna would go on to become a champion of Vincent’s art, playing a pivotal role in preserving his work and ensuring its recognition.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger grew up in a middle-class family in Amsterdam and developed an appreciation for art from an early age. Johanna’s path intersected with Vincent’s when she married Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s beloved brother and confidant. Little did she know that this union would forge a deep connection between her and Vincent’s art.
Both Johanna and Theo van Gogh shared a profound love for art.
Theo Van Gogh was an art dealer who had always believed in Vincent’s genius and provided him with unwavering support throughout his life. Johanna, too, shared this belief and understood the significance of Vincent’s contributions to the art world.
Tragically, both Vincent and Theo passed away within a short period of each other. It was during this time of loss and grief that Johanna found herself immersed in the world of Vincent’s artwork.
Johanna was just 28 years old when Theo died. They had only been married for two years and had had a baby, Vincent Willem van Gogh.
After Theo died in 1891, Johanna inherited her brother-in-law’s extensive collection of artworks, letters, and sketches. Johanna recognised the importance of fulfilling Theo’s desire to bring his brother Vincent’s work into the public eye and set it upon herself to promote his work.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s Guesthouse
After Theo’s death, Johanna left Paris and moved back to the Netherlands with hundreds of paintings.
She opened a guesthouse in the Dutch village of Bussum called Villa Helma, and visitors were given the opportunity to view and purchase Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. Whilst there, she worked with artists Jan Veth and Roland Holst to organise several Van Gogh exhibitions. It was from here that she began her promotion of Vincent’s work.
The location of the guesthouse also proved convenient for her to travel to Amsterdam to work on Vincent’s legacy.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s exhibitions of Vincent van Gogh's artwork
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger played a pivotal role in curating exhibitions that brought Vincent van Gogh’s art to a wider audience. She proved to be a very astute businesswoman.
Recognising the importance of showcasing Vincent’s talent, Johanna dedicated herself to meticulously selecting and organising exhibitions that would accurately represent his artistic vision. Each of these exhibitions contributed to the growing recognition and appreciation of Vincent’s art.
One notable exhibition was held in 1892, just two years after Vincent’s death, at the Amsterdam-based Stedelijk Museum. This exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of Vincent’s artistic journey, showcasing his earlier works as well as his later masterpieces. The exhibition allowed visitors to witness the evolution of Vincent’s style and experience the emotional intensity that permeated his paintings.
Johanna continued to organise regular sales exhibitions to capture the interest of potential buyers. These exhibitions strategically placed Vincent’s works in public collections worldwide, ensuring that as many individuals as possible could marvel at his exceptional talent.
Another remarkable exhibition curated by Johanna was the retrospective held in 1905 at the Stedelijk Museum. This exhibition, 15 years after Vincent’s passing, provided a retrospective view of his entire body of work. It was a groundbreaking event that allowed viewers to witness the breadth and depth of Vincent’s work, showcasing his vibrant brushwork, his vivid use of colour, and his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects. This unique exhibition showcased more than 480 artworks.
The sheer scale of the exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum required meticulous planning and organisation. Johanna displayed exceptional skills as she undertook the arduous task of curating the selection of works, managing attendant payments, and orchestrating every minute detail. The exhibition featured a diverse array of Vincent’s pieces, from the vibrant and emotive to the more controversial and avant-garde, such as the renowned masterpiece, “The Bedroom”.
The Bedroom, 1889
The exhibitions curated by Johanna received critical acclaim and played a significant role in the growing recognition of Vincent’s art. Critics and art enthusiasts alike were captivated by the raw emotion and powerful expressiveness conveyed through Vincent’s paintings. The exhibitions sparked debates and discussions about his artistic style, further cementing his status as a visionary artist.
As word spread about Vincent’s exhibitions, more and more people were drawn to his art. The exhibitions not only brought Vincent’s art to the attention of the public but also attracted the interest of other artists and collectors who recognized the brilliance and originality of his work.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s instrumental role in curating exhibitions of Vincent’s artwork cannot be overstated. Her dedication and passion for preserving Vincent’s legacy allowed his art to reach a broader audience and gain the recognition it deserved.
The Publication of Vincent van Gogh’s Letters
While tirelessly championing Vincent’s visual creations, Johanna simultaneously embarked on another remarkable endeavour—publishing Vincent’s heartfelt letters to his beloved brother, Theo.
She understood that these letters provided a unique window into Vincent’s inner world, revealing his thoughts, emotions, and artistic process. Johanna’s decision to share these intimate writings with the world was driven by a desire to shed light on Vincent’s life and provide a deeper understanding of the artist behind the canvases.
The publication of Vincent’s letters had a transformative effect on the understanding of his life and artistic process. Through these letters, readers gained unparalleled insights into Vincent’s creative journey, his struggles, and his relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. The correspondence revealed the depth of Vincent’s passion for art, his voracious appetite for learning, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
By delving into Vincent’s letters, art historians, scholars, and enthusiasts gained a richer understanding of the influences that shaped his artistic style. The letters provided a wealth of information about Vincent’s interactions with other artists, his sources of inspiration, and his evolving artistic techniques. They allowed for a more comprehensive analysis of Vincent's body of work, enabling a deeper appreciation of his artistic contributions.
The letters also served as a testament to Vincent’s unwavering commitment to his art, dispelling any doubts about his seriousness as an artist. They provided evidence of his artistic development, from his early struggles to his later breakthroughs.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger made a significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Vincent van Gogh’s life and art by translating his letters from Dutch to English. Johanna meticulously translated Vincent’s letters over several years, working to capture the essence of his writing style and conveying the depth of his thoughts and emotions. The English translation of Vincent van Gogh’s letters by Johanna van Gogh-Bonger played a vital role in expanding the international appreciation of his work.
A Lasting Legacy for Van Gogh Artworks
Vincent Willem van Gogh
CC Image courtesy of Ron Kroon / Anefo, Wiki Commons
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s son, Vincent Willem van Gogh, inherited the artworks and materials that she had preserved and managed after her death. Vincent Willem, who was named after his uncle Vincent van Gogh, took on the responsibility of continuing his mother's efforts in preserving and promoting Vincent’s art.
Vincent Willem established the Vincent van Gogh Foundation in 1962, which became the legal entity that owned and managed the collection of Vincent’s artworks. The foundation was created with the purpose of safeguarding the artworks and ensuring their accessibility to the public.
As the trustee of the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, Vincent Willem played a crucial role in the establishment of the Van Gogh Museum. He actively collaborated with other stakeholders, including the Dutch government and the Van Gogh Museum’s board, to secure a permanent home for the collection and oversee the museum’s development.
Vincent Willem van Gogh’s dedication to preserving his family’s artistic heritage and his stewardship of the artworks inherited from his mother made it possible for future generations to enjoy and study Vincent van Gogh’s extraordinary body of work. The trust he established continues to manage and protect the collection to this day, ensuring its long-term preservation and accessibility to the public.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger’s Contributions to Art History
Thanks to Johanna’s relentless advocacy, Vincent van Gogh’s posthumous fame and recognition reached unprecedented heights. Through her meticulous curation and strategic promotion of his artwork, Johanna succeeded in capturing the attention and admiration of art enthusiasts, critics, and collectors. Her exhibitions and publications provided valuable insights into Vincent’s artistic process, allowing the world to truly appreciate his immense talent and artistic vision.
Johanna’s unwavering dedication ensured that Vincent’s work would not be forgotten or overlooked. By tirelessly promoting his art and bringing it to the forefront of the art world, she solidified his status as a visionary artist whose contributions would have a lasting impact on the art community.
Johanna van Gogh-Bonger played a pivotal role in establishing Vincent van Gogh as a celebrated and influential artist. Through her meticulous curation of exhibitions and publication of his letters, she shed light on the depth and complexity of Vincent’s artistic genius. Johanna’s efforts resulted in an appreciation for Vincent’s unique style and his ability to convey profound emotions through his art.
I have a series of articles providing information on where you can view Vincent van Gogh paintings in Europe, California, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and New England. For more articles about Vincent van Gogh, click here.
I have articles showing where to view Frida Kahlo artworks and Gustav Klimt artworks, that you may also find interesting.
I hope you have enjoyed this article about Vincent van Gogh. I would love to hear your thoughts about it, please feel free to email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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