Japanese Prints: The Collection Of Vincent Van Gogh

Foreword by Rüger, Axel; Foreword by Vellekoop Marije
Short description/annotation
Showcases and analyses Van Gogh’s collection of Japanese prints, exploring the key role they played in his creative output.
Description
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.
Table of contents
1. Foreword by Axel Rüger, director Van Gogh Museum • 2. Van Gogh’s collection of Japanese prints: from commodities to a study collection and utopian ideal, Louis van Tilborgh • 3. The Van Gogh Museum’s collection of Japanese prints: an analysis, Chris Uhlenbeck • 4. Popular Collectibles in Van Gogh’s Time: Japanese Crepe Prints, Shigeru Oikawa • 5. A selection of 130 Japanese prints from the Van Gogh Museum collection
Review quote
''Fascinating and informative … an insightful look into a unique artistic mind'' - The Lady
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''Handsomely illustrated'' - Literary Review
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''Beautiful'' - Artists & Illustrators
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''Fascinating'' - Mature Times
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''Beautifully illustrated'' - The Lady, Books of the Year
Biographical note
Axel Rüger is Director of the Van Gogh Museum. Marije Vellekoop is the Van Gogh Museum’s Head of Collections, Research and Presentation.
Promotional headline
Showcases and analyses highlights from Van Gogh’s collection of Japanese prints, exploring the key role they played in his creative output