Japanese Prints: The Collection of Vincent van Gogh

Chris Uhlenbeck

ISBN 10: 0500239894 / ISBN 13: 9780500239896

Published by Thames & Hudson Aug 2018, 2018

About this Item

Neuware - In the winter of 1886-87, during his stay in Paris, Vincent van Gogh bought 660 Japanese prints at the art gallery of Siegfried Bing. His aim was to start dealing in them, but the exhibition he organized in the café-restaurant Le Tambourin was a total failure. However, he was now able to study his collection at ease and in close-up, and he gradually became captivated by their colourful, cheerful and unusual imagery. When he left for Arles, he took some prints with him, but the core remained in Paris with his brother Theo. Although some prints were later given away, the collection did not disperse. This book reveals new analyses of the collection, now held in the Van Gogh Museum, given as a long-term loan from the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. The authors delve into its history, and the role the prints played in Van Gogh's creative output. The book is illustrated with over 100 striking highlights from the collection.

Seller Inventory # 9780500239896

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Japanese Prints: The Collection of Vincent van Gogh
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson Aug 2018
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500239894
• ISBN 13: 9780500239896
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 297W x 215H x 25D millimeters 297 millimeters width by 215 millimeters height by 25 millimeters depth
• Weight: 1289 grams

About this title

Synopsis

“All my work is based to some extent on Japanese art” ―Vincent van Gogh, to his brother Theo, July 15, 1888

One hundred and fifty years ago, Vincent van Gogh fell under the enticing spell of Japanese printmaking while working in Paris. He bought over six hundred Japanese prints and displayed them in his studio as inspiration.

Van Gogh admired the prints’ mastery of strong colors, everyday subjects, unusual spatial effects, and delicate details from nature. When Van Gogh purchased the prints, he was just beginning to develop his own style as a painter, trying to find a modern yet also more primitive kind of painting that engaged directly with the viewer. These Japanese prints helped him find his now legendary style, with nature as a mutual starting point.

Presented here, in association with the Van Gogh Museum, is a beautiful exploration of Van Gogh’s fascination with Japan and Japanese artwork. This volume reveals a selection of prints, all from the museum’s collection, that Van Gogh owned during his lifetime and presents them with the works they inspired. This opportunity to share Van Gogh’s vision gives a compelling glimpse into one of the most powerful creative influences behind his art. 

170+ color illustrations

About the Author

Louis van Tilborgh is senior researcher at the Van Gogh Museum.