Vincent’s Letters in van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam displays 120 of Vincent van Gogh letters in a special exhibition: Van Gogh’s Brieven, Van Gogh’s Letters. They are on display from 9 October – 3 January 2010 in the Rietveldgebouw in the museum.

Vincent van Gogh was not only a painter but also a prolific letter writer. His letters are master pieces in their own right; well chosen words illustrated by drawings showing his plans for future paintings.

These 120 letters are only a fraction of his total correspondence and a unique chance to get more insight in Van Gogh’s life. They are usually not on display because of their extreme fragility.

Van Gogh writes about private affairs, his dreams, his disappointments, his friendships and his quarrels. They also give an insight in Van Gogh’s conception of art.

 On 19 April 1888 he writes to his friend and artist Emile Bernard:
There are so many people, especially among friends who think that words don’t represent anything. On the contrary saying something correctly is as interesting and as difficult as painting something.

The letters complement the artist’s paintings. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to see the original idea for the painting and the end result.

A 6-volume compilations of his letters: Vincent van Gogh – De Brieven, was published on 7 October 2009. It comprises the 920 original letters with a transcription in English, French and modern Dutch.

WHERE: Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam
WHEN: 9 October 2009–3 January 2010

OPENING HOURS
Museum: Daily 10.00-18.00, Friday until 22.00
Museum Shop: daily 10.00-17.45, Friday until 21.45
Museum Cafe: daily 10.00-17.15 uur, Friday until 21.30
Closed: 1 January.

ADMISSION FEE
adults € 12,50
13-17 years € 2.50
0-12 years free entrance
Museumkaart free entrance
I amsterdam Card: free entrance

photo credit: jan.tito @flickr

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1. Vincent van Gogh Museum

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