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Arts Intel Report

Choosing Vincent

Jo van Gogh-Bonger with her son Vincent and second husband, Johan Cohen Gosschalk.

Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

“Normality is a paved road,” said Vincent van Gogh. “It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.” The artist may have thought that, but it’s undeniable that the normalcy of family was important to him. For the newborn Vincent Willem, a nephew named after him, Van Gogh painted Almond Blossom, which symbolized hope and renewal. And he wrote hundreds of letters to his younger brother Theo, a Paris-based art dealer who not only supported him financially but served as his most trusted confidant. Even in his most unstable moments, Van Gogh’s thoughts often returned to family. He once painted a chair and pipe to represent himself, and a more refined chair to represent Theo—proof that despite the chaos he longed for connection. “Choosing Vincent” explores these vital relationships. —Elena Clavarino

Photo: Bernard Eilers, 1910-1911