Background Information
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, who is among the most renowned and influential figures in the field of western art. Despite being relatively unknown during his lifetime and committing suicide at the age of 37, his works are now some of the most recognized in the world. Aside from painting, van Gogh was a prolific letter-writer, in which he documented his daily life, his turbulent emotions and creative struggles, as well as his thoughts on art.
Van Gogh’s letters were often written in Dutch and translated into French by Theo, his brother. Although he was a prolific letter-writer, there has always been some debate as to whether van Gogh wrote poetry. Scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts have explored this question in great detail over the years.
Van Gogh’s Letters: Poems or Prose?
The question about whether van Gogh wrote poetry can best be answered by examining his letters. Writing to his brother, he often addressed his letters with a lengthy poem, in which he wrote about his relationship with nature, his spiritual life, and his feelings of solitude. In some cases, van Gogh would even respond to the poem that preceded his letter with another poem of his own.
At first glance, it might seem like these poems could be considered works of poetry. Upon closer examination, however, it’s clear that these poems could not be considered typical poetic works. The fact that these “poems” are rarely more than a few lines in length, and that they lack rhyme, rhythm, and any sort of regular structure, means that they do not fit into any established category of poetry.
Van Gogh’s letters show that he was a passionate and emotionally expressive man, and his words often evoke a strong sense of emotion. They can be seen as a form of poetic expression, but it would not be accurate to say that he wrote “poetry” in the traditional sense of the word.
The Influence of Poetry on Van Gogh’s Work
Despite the fact that van Gogh did not actually write poems, his letters show that he was strongly influenced by poetry. He was an avid reader of poetry, and often expressed admiration for renowned poets, such as William Blake and Victor Hugo. Van Gogh was also influenced by song lyrics, and his letters often incorporated references to popular songs.
The influence of poetry can be seen in van Gogh’s art as well. He often depicted scenes from nature and life in the countryside, which are reminiscent of the poetry of nature writers such as William Wordsworth and John Donne. Similarly, his emotional works of art, such as The Starry Night, evoke a similar emotional intensity and depth that is characteristic of poetry.
The Importance of van Gogh’s Letters
Though van Gogh did not write actual poems, his letters are still an integral part of his legacy. Through his letters, we can gain an insight into his emotional struggles and his creative process. We can learn about the subjects of his art, and the inspiration he found in nature and the world around him.
Van Gogh’s letters also give us a glimpse into his understanding of the creative process. He wrote extensively about the power of the imagination, and how his own works had been influenced by great poets and writers.
In his letters, van Gogh not only expressed his emotions, he also addressed important philosophical and spiritual questions. In considering these questions, we can understand the unique worldview that he experienced in his own life and work.
The Subject of Time in Van Gogh’s Writing
In his letters, van Gogh often touched upon the subject of time. For example, he wrote, “The days pass but time does not pass. It remains and is always present.” Through this statement, van Gogh hints at a deeper philosophical understanding of the cyclical nature of time, which is a common theme in his works of art.
Van Gogh’s interest in the concept of time was also reflected in some of his poems. In one of his poems, he wrote, “Days of a life whirl by and are imagined but when time passes time never passes by…” This poem further emphasizes van Gogh’s idea that although time passes, it is never truly gone.
The Legacy of Van Gogh
Despite the fact that he never wrote actual poems, van Gogh left an invaluable legacy of emotional and spiritual expression through his letters and works of art. He is remembered as both an influential artist and a passionate thinker who used his art to explore philosophical and spiritual questions.
Through his letters, we can gain insight into his creative process and his understanding of the world around him. Van Gogh reminds us that art is a powerful vehicle for expressing our emotions and exploring the deepest questions of life and existence.
Conclusion
While van Gogh may not have written poetry in the traditional sense, his letters reveal an intense emotional and spiritual depth that is characteristic of poetry. His works are a testament to his passion for art, and his letter-writing is an important part of understanding his life and his place in the history of art. Van Gogh’s understanding of time, nature and the creative process continues to have a profound effect on our understanding of art today.
