PICTURE THIS
THE ILLUSTRATED PROVENCE LETTERS OF VAN GOGH
by Martin Bailey (Batsford £16.99)
The Illustrated Provence Letters of Van Gogh by Martin Bailey (Batsford £16.99)
During his years in Provence (1888-90), Van Gogh painted some of his greatest work — sunflowers, self-portraits and The Starry Night — but he also wrote many poignant letters, gathered in this captivating book, which show him grappling with both creative fervour and emotional turmoil.
His famous Sunflowers represent the Midi sun, which, Van Gogh wrote, ‘beats down on one’s head, and I haven’t the slightest doubt it makes one crazy. But as I was so to begin with, I only enjoy it.’
I’d read his shopping list.