Van Gogh's path: a visual journey through Europe

05 Nov Van Gogh's path: a visual journey through Europe

Posted at 05:00h in Art, Latest News, Wall Street International Magazine by Daniela Vargas

Source Credit: Content and images from Wall Street International Magazine by Daniela Vargas. Read the original article - https://www.meer.com/en/81115-van-goghs-path-a-visual-journey-through-europe

This isn’t your average travel guide. Forget about just checking off tourist spots. Today, we embark on a journey that blends artistic exploration with cultural immersion, transforming your next trip into an unforgettable adventure.

Planning a trip often means finding must-see sights or hidden gems. But what if your travels could be an artistic adventure? For art enthusiasts like myself, there’s a way to weave art appreciation into every journey. Forget typical guides; today we embark on a new way to travel: following in the footsteps of artistic icons like Vincent van Gogh.

But first, let’s do a quick recap of today’s “tour guide.”

Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands. His parents, Theodorus van Gogh and Anna Carbentus, had another baby boy a year prior, also named Vincent, who sadly did not survive. After the second Vincent’s arrival, the couple went on to have more children: three daughters and a son named Anna, Theo, Wil, Lies, and Cor.

So, it’s no surprise that our first stop will be the lovely town of Zundert. As you stroll through this beautiful place, imagine this: young Vincent and his family going for long walks, perhaps even visiting the Van Gogh Church, a familiar sight in his childhood. Here, a spark ignites in Vincent’s heart, and his love of nature begins. To enrich your trip further, enjoy a moment at the Vincent van GoghHuis, an art center unlike any other, standing on Vincent’s birthplace. This interactive experience is a wonderful way to connect with the artist we admire.

Another must-see is the beautiful and touching statue of Vincent and his brother, Theo, who shared a love and connection beyond this world. The statue stands near their birthplace and directly in front of the Van Gogh Church. It was unveiled in 1964 by Queen Juliana. The inscription written at the base of the statue is from a letter Vincent wrote to Theo in 1860. The letter remained unfinished and unsent. Tragically, this same letter was found in Vincent’s pocket when he took his own life on July 27th.

Through my deeds, you have witnessed the creation of several paintings which will breathe tranquillity even in times of upheaval.

(Vincent to Theo)

Our journey continues here in the Netherlands. You can visit Nuenen, the city where Van Gogh created some of his early masterpieces, like “The Potato Eaters.” Moving on to Amsterdam, where Van Gogh lived and studied, you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum, a place entirely dedicated to Van Gogh and some of his contemporaries. Another must-see is the Kröller-Müller Museum, located in Otterlo. This museum houses the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, after the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Our next stop is France, where Van Gogh spent most of his artistic career and developed the style we all know and love. Starting in Paris, where he lived from 1886 to 1888. Here, color finally came to his art, but it was also where his mental struggles began to worsen. In Paris, his brother Theo worked at Goupil & Cie, an art dealership. Through Theo, Van Gogh met many incredible artists, such as Monet, which further inspired him and allowed him to express his art more freely.

In Paris, you can explore many places that follow Vincent’s journey. The first place he and his brother Theo lived was on Rue Leval (now known as Victor Massé). Here, in this tiny apartment, they struggled to make room for Vincent and his art. They quickly found a better and bigger place at 54, Rue Lepic. The brothers’ relationship has its ups and downs, with Vincent’s personality causing most of the conflicts. Thankfully, they were able to work things out. Unfortunately, the house on Rue Lepic is not open to the public, but you can still see a plaque by the facade.

Now we continue towards the south, to Arles, more specifically, where Vincet moved to in 1888. Seeking escape from the hectic Parisian life, he craved a place to feel more peaceful and relaxed. While the escape from the city offered some comfort to him, his inner struggles followed him there.

Arles, with its vibrant colors, became a source of inspiration for Van Gogh. He lodged at the Carrel hotel-restaurant (though the building no longer stands). Here, his artistic productivity grew, and masterpieces like “An Old Woman of Arles,” “Landscape with Snow,” and “View of a Butcher’s Shop” were born.

During his stay here, Van Gogh invited Paul Gauguin to join him in Arles. However, their artistic collaboration was very short-lived, marked by creative differences and culminating in a mental breakdown that led Van Gogh to voluntarily admit himself to the asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence in 1889.

Saint-Remy offered a different kind of inspiration. Though confined, the asylum grounds and surrounding olive groves became his new artistic subjects. Here, Van Gogh produced some of his most iconic works, characterized by swirling brushstrokes and intense colors. Paintings like “The Starry Night,” “The Wheatfield with Crows,” and “Irises” were all created during this introspective period.

The asylum itself, now known as the Saint-Paul-de-Mausolee, is open to visitors and features a dedicated exhibition space showcasing reproductions of Van Gogh’s works made during his stay.

In 1890, Vincent left Saint-Remy and moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, a small village north of Paris, under the care of Dr. Gachet. Though the change offered a more serene environment, Vincent’s mental health remained fragile. Tragically, he took his own life shortly after arriving in Auvers.

Despite the brevity of his stay, Auvers-sur-Oise became the backdrop for some of Van Gogh’s final masterpieces. Paintings like “Wheatfields with Cypresses” and “Church at Auvers” reflect a renewed focus on landscapes, imbued with a sense of both beauty and melancholy.

The Auberge Ravoux, a former inn where Van Gogh lodged, is now a restaurant named after the artist. While not directly connected to his artistic endeavors, it serves as a reminder of his final days.

By exploring these locations that shaped Van Gogh’s artistic journey, you gain a deeper appreciation for his work. Imagine Vincent capturing the vibrant yellows of Arles’ sunlit streets, the tranquility of the Saint-Remy olive groves, or the rolling wheat fields of Auvers. These destinations aren’t just places he visited; they are windows into his soul, his struggles, and his enduring artistic spirit.

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