Vincent van Gogh and Naturalism

Van Gogh as great admirer of the Naturalist painters

Vincent van Gogh was a great admirer of the Naturalist painters and frequently praised their motifs and working methods in the letters to his brother Theo. He also gathered an extensive collection of illustrations of paintings by these artists, which he studied innumerable times and which were a great source of inspiration.

Reflecting on everyday life

The illustrations that were collected by Van Gogh now belong to the Van Gogh Museum's collection. A selection of them will be shown on the second floor. Also on display are a number of works by Van Gogh, in which he reflects on everyday life (like the Naturalist painters did) in his own way. The presentation is designed to complement the 'Illusions of Reality' exhibition that runs simultaneously in the museum's exhibition wing.