In Our Time: Vincent van Gogh (Archive Episode)
Host: Melvyn Bragg
Guests:
- A. Christopher Rio Pell, Neil Westwright, Curator of Post-1800 Paintings at the National Gallery
- Martin Baillie, Van Gogh Specialist and Art Newspaper Correspondent
- Francis Fowle, Professor of 19th Century Art at the University of Edinburgh and Senior Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Early Life and Family Background
The episode opens by delving into the formative years of Vincent van Gogh. Born in 1853, Van Gogh grew up in the south of Holland within a large Protestant family. His father served as a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, and his upbringing was marked by strict religious values, especially under the influence of his mother, Anna, who aspired to raise her children as proper Protestants (03:01).
Francis Fowle highlights, "[...] his family was very close-knit, maintaining correspondence especially with his brother Theo, the older of the two brothers he had" (03:30).
Career as an Art Dealer
At 16, Van Gogh was sent to work under his uncle Vincent van Gogh-Grand, the manager of the prestigious Goupil Gallery in The Hague. This period was crucial as it exposed him to the art of the Hague School—a group of artists focused on realistic portrayals. Despite a promising start, Van Gogh struggled to find his footing in the art dealer business, which eventually led to his dismissal and a subsequent deep depression (05:08).
Martin Baillie notes, "Theo's support was instrumental in Van Gogh's transition from art dealer to artist" (05:47).
Turning to Art: Self-Taught Endeavors
After abandoning his religious aspirations and facing professional setbacks, Van Gogh decided to pursue art full-time. Without formal training, he taught himself drawing and later painting by meticulously copying drawings from manuals (08:43).
Martin Baillie emphasizes, "His determination was remarkable; he taught himself from manuals, copying drawings to hone his skills" (09:07).
Paris: A Revelation and Artistic Transformation
In 1886, Van Gogh moved to Paris, where he was immersed in the vibrant art scene and influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. This exposure significantly altered his use of color and technique, transitioning from the dark palettes of the Hague School to the bright, expressive hues characteristic of his later work (13:44).
Francis Fowle observes, "Paris was a revelation for him. Among the avant-garde artists, he found intellectual stimulation that emboldened him to experiment with color and form" (14:56).
Arles and the Relationship with Gauguin
Seeking a change from the hectic Parisian life and influenced by his heavy drinking habits, Van Gogh relocated to Arles in Provence in 1888. Here, he hoped to create a collaborative artist community with Paul Gauguin. This period was marked by both intense productivity and personal turmoil.
Martin Baillie explains, "Van Gogh painted the iconic sunflowers during his time in Arles, symbolizing the summer and reflecting his fascination with light and color" (21:54).
The tumultuous relationship between Van Gogh and Gauguin culminated in the infamous incident where Van Gogh severed his own ear after a heated argument, leading to his voluntary admission to an asylum (24:19).
Francis Fowle recounts, "Their collaboration was fraught with personal and artistic differences, ultimately leading to their separation and Van Gogh's mental health crisis" (24:48).
Asylum in Saint-Rémy and 'Starry Night'
While confined at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy, Van Gogh produced some of his most renowned works, including "Starry Night." This painting reflects his inner turmoil and heightened emotional state, combining both realistic and imaginative elements to depict a swirling, dynamic sky over a tranquil village (29:07).
Martin Baillie comments, "Art was Van Gogh's escape, allowing him to transcend the distressing environment of the asylum through his creative process" (28:06).
Francis Fowle adds, "In 'Starry Night,' you can see him pushing the boundaries of reality, infusing the night sky with intense movement and emotion" (31:30).
Final Weeks in Auvers-sur-Oise
In May 1890, Van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise to be closer to Dr. Paul Gachet, a homeopathic doctor and amateur artist who supported his mental health. The final ten weeks of Van Gogh's life were extraordinarily productive, yielding 74 paintings in just 70 days, including the famous "Wheat Field with Crows."
Martin Baillie describes, "This period was marked by a surge in both quantity and quality of his work, reflecting a brief period of optimism and intense creativity" (38:03).
Death and Posthumous Fame
Van Gogh's life tragically ended when he succumbed to a gunshot wound in July 1890. Despite his prolific output, he had achieved little recognition during his lifetime. His brother Theo's widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, played a pivotal role in promoting his legacy by organizing exhibitions and combating forgeries, ensuring that Van Gogh's genius was recognized worldwide decades after his death (44:17).
Francis Fowle states, "Without Johanna's dedication, Van Gogh's masterpieces might have remained obscure. Her efforts were crucial in establishing his posthumous fame" (46:15).
Legacy and Influence
Van Gogh is celebrated as possibly the most popular artist globally, with his works commanding record-breaking prices and exhibiting universal recognition. His life story, filled with artistic triumphs and personal struggles, continues to captivate audiences, making him a cultural icon whose influence persists in contemporary art and beyond.
Martin Baillie concludes, "Van Gogh's art and life story create an extraordinary combination that ensures his enduring legacy. His universal themes and emotional depth resonate across generations and cultures" (51:02).
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Francis Fowle ([03:30]): "His family was very close-knit, maintaining correspondence especially with his brother Theo."
- Martin Baillie ([05:47]): "Theo's support was instrumental in Van Gogh's transition from art dealer to artist."
- Martin Baillie ([09:07]): "His determination was remarkable; he taught himself from manuals, copying drawings to hone his skills."
- Francis Fowle ([14:56]): "Paris was a revelation for him... he found intellectual stimulation that emboldened him to experiment with color and form."
- Martin Baillie ([21:54]): "Van Gogh painted the iconic sunflowers during his time in Arles..."
- Francis Fowle ([24:48]): "Their collaboration was fraught with personal and artistic differences..."
- Martin Baillie ([38:03]): "This period was marked by a surge in both quantity and quality of his work..."
- Francis Fowle ([46:15]): "Without Johanna's dedication, Van Gogh's masterpieces might have remained obscure."
Conclusion
The "Vincent van Gogh" episode of In Our Time offers an in-depth exploration of the artist's life, his artistic evolution, and the enduring impact of his work. Through expert insights and detailed discussions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how Van Gogh's personal struggles and relentless pursuit of artistic expression culminated in a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate the world.