Customer Reviews

Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist

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Vincent Van Gogh only painted for ten years of his life but his paintings are still compelling to modern audiences. This biography of the painter is directed to ages 10 and older and provides a discussion of not only his works, but why he went mad and why he cut off his ear. Letters from Vincent to his brother and patron explore his behaviors and thinking.

The last words of a dying Vincent van Gogh, having shot himself in the stomach ten years into his career as an artist, (p 103) "I wished I could pass away like this." A tragic ending to a troubled life, van Gogh was only thirty-seven years old. Although his family worried about his extremist behavior, mental state, relationships with women, and inability to make a decent wage (for much of his life, his brother Theo supported him), the Dutchman's self-confidence in the salability of his work is obvious from letters he wrote to his supportive younger brother (over 600 in all). And although he had male friendships, female relationships, and a brief engagement, his affliction with a medical condition, (p 86) "an unusual form of epilepsy, possibly complicated by the effects of absinthe or digitalis poisoning," resulted in occasional bizarre behavior and a reputations as a bit of a mental case: Vincent (p 79) "slashed off his earlobe with a razor" after an altercation with his roommate and friend Paul Gauguin.

The book covers from his birth, to a pastor father and an amateur artist mother; through his various careers, primarily as a missionary and then a painter; to his early death and includes information on his relationships and paintings (including photographs), and geographical locations. Although written at about a fourth grade reading level, Vincent van Gogh, an excellent, chronologically-written biography of a misunderstood man, might better be saved for sixth grade and up due to the sensitive issue of suicide. Also good: The Second Mrs. Giaconda by E.L. Konigsburg (for adults) and Art Songs: Ten Songs about Artists by Agnes and Aubrey (kids music CD).

This book is a window into the soul of the brilliant, driven VanGogh. If you've ever wondered what it's like to have a passion for something so that it becomes an all consuming fire inside oneself you will be able to see it in VanGogh's struggles as he fights to become accepted as an artist and a human being. A very good book indeed.

This biography of Van Gogh is beautifully written. It tells his story cradle to grave, from his being christened as the namesake of a brother who had died to his taking his own life in loneliness and despair. In between we learn of his having tried out various professions, including the priesthood and having come to his vocation by himself. His fierce dedication, his unending love affair with his own work led to the creation of some of the great masterpieces of 'Western Art'.
The writers skillfully interweave passages from Van Gogh's correspondance with younger brother and financial supporter Theo in telling the story. Van Gogh's passionate and profound, his painfully beautiful letters are in themselves a great masterpiece.
The writers tell us the story of someone who so much needed and wanted to love, and who was rejected more than once. He was forced to content himself with his Art and with Nature.
They are wonderful in describing the landscapes of Van Gogh's life from Brabant in childhood to Arles and Saint- Remy at the end.
Although this work is written for a 'young audience' I believe that anyone who wishes a relatively brief but truly outstanding biography of Van Gogh will enjoy this work.
The volume also contains in a most tasteful way pictures of the artist, his family and reproductions of some of his greatest work.

Great book for all kids. I'm an art teacher and have used this book as an assigned reading. It's very hard to find good books for kids about artists. This is the exception.