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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh 1853 - 1890
Still Life with Bible 1885
Oil on canvas
65 X 78 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam


Vincent van Gogh 1853 - 1890
Pieta (after Delacroix) 1889
Oil on canvas
73 x 60.5 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam


Vincent van Gogh 1853 - 1890
Self Portrait 1888
Oil on canvas
65.5 X 50.5 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam


Vincent van Gogh 1853 - 1890
The Good Samaritan (after Delacroix) 1890
Oil on canvas
73 x 60 cm
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

3 comments:

  1. Terry, although Van Gogh has always been a favorite of mine, it was only as an adult that I found out he liked to do religious themes too. I don't know how I missed that when I was younger.

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  2. Esther
    It is always a surprise to people to learn that Van Gogh was a devout Christian (Protestant) who wanted to be a Minister/Pastor. He came to London and preached here. Unfortunately he was rejected as a Minister by the (Protestant) authorities in Northern Europe. It does like as if at that time there were signs of mental illness and that may have been why he was rejected (that and reasons connected with doctrine) Many of his letters have Biblical references. He knew his Bible very well.

    Unfortunately many people now write off his religious side as being part of his mental illness.

    His annotated letters (where he drew many sketches) are online at http://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/

    Regards

    Terry

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  3. Terry, that I did not know. Sad to think his mental illness may have prevented him from becoming a minister. Thanks for the link.

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