An imaginative collection of statements about Vincent van Gogh challenges our understanding of the artist's mythologized existence. While Van Gogh is the most famous artist globally, our knowledge of his life is riddled with contradictions. Art historians, filmmakers, journalists, psychologists, and conspiracy theorists have all offered divergent theories about him, portraying him as everything from a suffering genius to a madman, a peaceful soul to a violent threat, and even a religious fanatic to a Marxist. This book explores the ongoing rewriting of Van Gogh's narrative since the early twentieth century, presenting a mix of succinct facts and 'counterfacts' drawn from diverse sources, including fellow artists, friends, family, and scholars. Conflicting statements are paired with an unconventional array of images, such as postcards of significant locations, photographs from a fraudster's trial, a children's toy, a bottle label, and a rusty revolver. The text offers a kaleidoscope of fact and fiction about the world's most discussed artist—sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, always insightful. Readers are invited to reconsider long-held beliefs about Van Gogh, his work, and his legacy, revealing the global phenomenon he has become. This book is a must-have for art lovers and museumgoers alike.
