Letters to Friends

Van Gogh created more than forty self-portraits. "It is difficult to know oneself. However, writing about oneself is not easier," he said. Van Gogh turned out to be a talented master not only of the brush but also of the pen. Literally every evening after working at the canvas, he would sit down at the table and write long letters to his family and friends. After his death, the letters were found. Without exaggeration, they can be called the best self-portrait of the famous artist. This is a monument of literature that is equivalent to Van Gogh's painting legacy. He maintained an epistolary dialogue with Paul Gauguin, Anton van Rappard, Émile Bernard, and others. In his correspondence, he shared his thoughts, discoveries, and ideas. All his letters to friends are marked by a special confessional tone and depth of inner drama, as well as opening a door to the world of this genius madman.