"Van Gogh" by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith delves into the passionate yet tumultuous life of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh. The authors unveil the mysteries surrounding his mental struggles and the profound influence of his relationships on his art. With vivid storytelling, the book captures the essence of van Gogh's relentless pursuit of beauty and meaning amidst chaos. Readers are drawn into the tumult of his creative genius and the heartfelt emotions embedded in his masterpieces. This biography promises not only to illuminate van Gogh's life but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for his timeless works.
By Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith
Published: 2012
""I dream my painting and I paint my dream.""
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “The definitive biography for decades to come.”—Leo Jansen, curator, the Van Gogh Museum, and co-editor of Vincent van Gogh: The Complete Letters Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, who galvanized readers with their Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of Jackson Pollock, have written another tour de force—an exquisitely detailed, compellingly readable portrait of Vincent van Gogh. Working with the full cooperation of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Naifeh and Smith have accessed a wealth of previously untapped materials to bring a crucial understanding to the larger-than-life mythology of this great artist: his early struggles to find his place in the world; his intense relationship with his brother Theo; and his move to Provence, where he painted some of the best-loved works in Western art. The authors also shed new light on many unexplored aspects of Van Gogh’s inner world: his erratic and tumultuous romantic life; his bouts of depression and mental illness; and the cloudy circumstances surrounding his death at the age of thirty-seven. Though countless books have been written about Van Gogh, no serious, ambitious examination of his life has been attempted in more than seventy years. Naifeh and Smith have re-created Van Gogh’s life with an astounding vividness and psychological acuity that bring a completely new and sympathetic understanding to this unique artistic genius. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • The Washington Post • The Wall Street Journal • San Francisco Chronicle • NPR • The Economist • Newsday • BookReporter “In their magisterial new biography, Van Gogh: The Life, Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith provide a guided tour through the personal world and work of that Dutch painter, shining a bright light on the evolution of his art. . . . What [the authors] capture so powerfully is Van Gogh’s extraordinary will to learn, to persevere against the odds.”—Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times “Brilliant . . . Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith are the big-game hunters of modern art history. . . . [Van Gogh] rushes along on a tide of research. . . . At once a model of scholarship and an emotive, pacy chunk of hagiography.”—Martin Herbert, The Daily Telegraph (London)
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“"I dream my painting and I paint my dream."”
Van Gogh
By Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Steven Naifeh is a distinguished author and biographer best known for his critically acclaimed works, including "Jackson Pollock: An American Saga" and "Van Gogh: The Life," which he co-authored with Gregory White Smith. His meticulous research and engaging storytelling have earned him a reputation for bringing complex figures from art history to life. Naifeh's writing style is characterized by its narrative depth and vivid detail, enabling readers to connect with the subjects on both intellectual and emotional levels. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize, underscoring his significant contributions to literary and biographical scholarship.
Gregory White Smith was an acclaimed American author and biographer known for his meticulous research and engaging narrative style. Among his notable works are 'Jackson Pollock: A Biography' and 'The Life and Art of John Wilkes Booth', where he delves into the complexities of his subjects with both depth and sensitivity. Smith's writing often combines a rigorous academic approach with a storyteller's flair, allowing readers to connect with historical figures in a profound and accessible manner. His contributions to the field of biography have earned him respect and recognition in literary circles.
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