 |
| SELF-PORTRAIT (1888) |
Van Gogh Letter:
Van Gogh’s words written about Tolstoy:
“There’s said to be a religious book by Tolstoy, I believe it’s called ‘Ma religion’; it must be very beautiful. From what I gather from that article, in it he’s searching for what will remain eternally true in the religion of Christ, and what all religions have in common; 1v:2 it appears that he admits of neither the resurrection of the body nor even that of the soul, but says like the nihilists that after death there’s nothing more, but when a man’s dead, and well and truly dead, living humanity remains for ever.10
Anyway, not having read the book itself, I couldn’t say exactly how he conceives of the matter, but I believe that his religion cannot be cruel and increase our sufferings, but on the contrary, it must be very consoling and must inspire serenity, and energy, and the courage to live, and a whole lot of things.”
Br. 1990: 690 | CL: 542
From: Vincent van Gogh
To: Theo van Gogh
Date: Arles, Sunday, 23 or Monday, 24 September 1888
Looking at Van Gogh's 1888 paintings when he was in Provence helps me to imagine him thinking about Tolstoy. In that way his writing and paintings bring history to life. (Follow the header link to read more of this letter as well as other letters.)
 |
| CAFE TERRACE AT NIGHT (1888) |
 |
| STARLIGHT OVER THE RHONE NEAR ARLES (1888) |
 |
| SUNFLOWERS (1888) |
Finally, seeing Paul Gauguin's perception of Van Gogh painting sunflowers brings the entire 1888 atmosphere to light.
 |
| VAN GOGH PAINTING SUNFLOWERS -PAUL GAUGAIN |
No comments:
Post a Comment