Van Gogh [antikvár]

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH So much has been written about the life and works of Van Gogh, so many authors have tried to prove that his sufferings were justified by his achievements, that one may well feel somé hesitation in approaching the subject again. Yet the theme is inexhaustible, presenting so much of aesthetic as well as of purely humán interest as to seem perpetually new and capable of arousing every variety of emotion. The extremely close connection generally assumed between Van Gogh's life and his work is often rather provoking. Unfortunately a high proportion of the very widespread popularity of his art appears due to the picturesque elements of his extraordinarily dramatic adventures. His painting, nevertheless, is self-sufficient. There is no need to consider it the illustration of a pathetic fate in order to accord it the most fervent admiration. But fame is commonly the result of an indulgent attitűdé in the world at large and misunderstandings increase the reputation of masterpieces. Such mistakes have often been made in relation to Van Gogh and it is for that reason, perhaps, that so many of his pictures are found so intensely attractive. In any case, however one may regard the fact, it is impossible to separate his works and his life. Each affords so full an explanation of the other that parallel description is inevitable. It is true that