Readings from Van Gogh's letters

Listen to some examples of letters written to Van Gogh, and some in his own words.


Van Gogh letter 596


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Van Gogh writes to fellow artist Emile Bernard.

In this letter, he describes painting fruit trees in blossom and visiting bullfights



Van Gogh Letter 646


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Paul Gauguin writes to Van Gogh.

He looks forward to joining Van Gogh in the south of France and describes his painting of young Breton wrestlers.



Vab Gogh letter 678


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Van Gogh writes to his sister Willemien.

He describes his house in Arles and various paintings in progress, including his famous café interior and a café terrace at night.



Van Gogh letter 688


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Paul Gauguin writes to Van Gogh.

He describes his painting The Vision After the Sermon and discusses their plans for life in the south of France.



Van Gogh letter 728


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Van Gogh writes to his brother Theo.

He writes from hospital after cutting off his own ear. His doctor adds a postscript to the letter.


These abridgements are taken from Vincent Van Gogh – The Letters - The Complete Illustrated and Annotated Edition and are exclusive to this website.
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