Art History

Vincent van Gogh’s Sisters: Their Lives and Legacy Revealed Through Letters

Vincent van Gogh, the renowned Impressionist painter, is often remembered for his tumultuous relationship with his brother, Theo. However, his three sisters—Anna, Elisabeth (Lies), and Willemien (Wil)—also played significant roles in his life and art. A new book by Dutch art historian Willem-Jan Verlinden sheds light on these women’s fascinating stories through their previously unpublished letters.

The Van Gogh Sisters: A Collective Portrait

Anna, the eldest sister, was a strong and independent woman who provided emotional support to her siblings. Lies, the middle sister, was known for her intelligence and artistic talents. Wil, the youngest, was a free-spirited and adventurous soul who shared Vincent’s love of art.

Verlinden’s book, aptly titled “The Van Gogh Sisters,” draws on hundreds of these letters, many of which are published in English for the first time. They offer a glimpse into the changing roles of women in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the family’s struggles with mental illness and Vincent’s meteoric rise to fame.

Wil van Gogh: A Life in Letters

Wil van Gogh was a particularly fascinating figure. She traveled widely, worked as a nurse, governess, and teacher, and was active in the early feminist movement in Paris. Her letters reveal her close bond with Vincent, as well as her own struggles with mental illness.

After Vincent’s death in 1890, Wil’s medical care was funded by the sale of 17 of her brother’s paintings. This surprising revelation sheds light on the financial challenges faced by the van Gogh family and the value of Vincent’s art even during his lifetime.

Wil’s institutionalization in 1902 marked a tragic turn in her life. Diagnosed with “Dementia praecox,” she spent the remaining four decades of her life in a psychiatric facility, where she received inadequate care.

Mental Illness and the van Gogh Family

Both Vincent and Wil van Gogh experienced severe mental illnesses that worsened with age. Vincent’s struggles with panic attacks and hallucinations are well-documented, and some researchers believe that his anxiety and depression may have had a genetic basis.

Wil’s illness, initially diagnosed as “Dementia praecox,” would likely be treated with medication or more humane care today. Her institutionalization highlights the limited understanding and treatment options available for mental illness in the 19th century.

Vincent van Gogh’s Paintings: A Legacy for His Sisters

Despite the challenges they faced, the van Gogh sisters found solace in art. Vincent’s paintings often depicted his family members, including Wil. One notable work, “Memory of the Garden at Etten,” features two women walking along a path, believed to represent Wil and their mother.

In a letter to Wil, Vincent described the painting’s colors and composition in detail, explaining how he used them to convey his emotions and memories. This letter provides a unique insight into Vincent’s artistic process and his deep affection for his sisters.

The Van Gogh Sisters: A Hidden History Uncovered

For too long, the lives of Vincent van Gogh’s sisters have been overshadowed by his own. “The Van Gogh Sisters” by Willem-Jan Verlinden rectifies this imbalance, offering a compelling portrait of three remarkable women whose stories deserve to be told.

Through their letters, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the late 19th century, the complex dynamics of family relationships, and the enduring power of art to connect and heal.