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stitchsaddiction's review
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Just as we take the train to go to Tarascon or Rouen, we take death to go to a star. - Vincent to Theo, Sept. 1888
Starry Night: van Gogh at the Asylum is an emotional as well as educational read.
Focusing on Vincent van Gogh's time at the Saint-Paul de Mausole psychiatric hospital in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This would be where Vincent went in 1889 after the mental crisis that had led to the removal of his ear. Martin Bailey combines extracts from Vincent's letters and writings, as well as other items to explore probably the most infamous time in van Gogh's life.
I liked how the book was laid out, with chapters showcasing letters, paintings and drawings, archived documents from museums, posters and postcards, as well as photographs from the time as well as taken by the author. As with all people who become famous long after their tragic passing? The sight of van Gogh's, thoughts in his own hand further adds to the acknowledgement that an artist whose work has affected millions of people struggled so much with belonging.
Vincent van Gogh created 150 pieces of art in the small room he had at the asylum during his time in Provence when he wasn't walking in the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the foothills of the Alpilles. Many of these as any lover of art, are some of the most famous of his work including of course Starry Night as well as The Iris and The Almond Tree Branch in Bloom which are all breathtaking.
The artwork that's reproduced in the book is vibrant so that you're able to see each brush stroke and the colours have remained bright to this day. Bailey provides us with information about the paintings which are insightful and add to the wonder and understanding of van Gogh's work.
Bailey's dedication to learning about, and in turn educating the reader, about Vincent van Gogh is evident on every page and his research is thorough and it's apparent just how important the artist is to the author (as he is to many). I found it wonderful albeit heartbreaking to not only read more about some of Van Gogh's artwork but also the various mental and physical health conditions that would not impact Van Gogh's life but indirectly those such as his brother Theo who tried everything he could to help his much-loved brother.
To know each letter began My Dear Theo hurts my heart because the love is apparent even when the madness he endured held onto him.
This book's a dedication to a man who deserved more, and in truth to his brother too who loved faithfully until the end.
To know that we get to witness the world through Vincent's eyes is a wonderful thing and I think that the year he was surrounded by the beauty of Provence kept him with his loved ones both family and friends just a little longer. Van Gogh will never be forgotten, but it is work such as this that enables us to know more of the man than his beautiful paintings and sketches.
If ever I wish to time travel it would be to Provence and to simply talk with Vincent because he like so many poets, had a heart and soul that was too fragile and good for this world.
Van Gogh would leave Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in May 1890 and would leave the world July of that year by his own hand.
Vincent van Gogh was 37 years old.
Theo van Gogh would join his brother after pasing away in January 1891 at just 33 years old leaving behind his wife Johanna and son Vincent who was six days from his first birthday.
Starry Night: van Gogh at the Asylum is an emotional as well as educational read.
Focusing on Vincent van Gogh's time at the Saint-Paul de Mausole psychiatric hospital in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This would be where Vincent went in 1889 after the mental crisis that had led to the removal of his ear. Martin Bailey combines extracts from Vincent's letters and writings, as well as other items to explore probably the most infamous time in van Gogh's life.
I liked how the book was laid out, with chapters showcasing letters, paintings and drawings, archived documents from museums, posters and postcards, as well as photographs from the time as well as taken by the author. As with all people who become famous long after their tragic passing? The sight of van Gogh's, thoughts in his own hand further adds to the acknowledgement that an artist whose work has affected millions of people struggled so much with belonging.
Vincent van Gogh created 150 pieces of art in the small room he had at the asylum during his time in Provence when he wasn't walking in the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the foothills of the Alpilles. Many of these as any lover of art, are some of the most famous of his work including of course Starry Night as well as The Iris and The Almond Tree Branch in Bloom which are all breathtaking.
The artwork that's reproduced in the book is vibrant so that you're able to see each brush stroke and the colours have remained bright to this day. Bailey provides us with information about the paintings which are insightful and add to the wonder and understanding of van Gogh's work.
Bailey's dedication to learning about, and in turn educating the reader, about Vincent van Gogh is evident on every page and his research is thorough and it's apparent just how important the artist is to the author (as he is to many). I found it wonderful albeit heartbreaking to not only read more about some of Van Gogh's artwork but also the various mental and physical health conditions that would not impact Van Gogh's life but indirectly those such as his brother Theo who tried everything he could to help his much-loved brother.
To know each letter began My Dear Theo hurts my heart because the love is apparent even when the madness he endured held onto him.
This book's a dedication to a man who deserved more, and in truth to his brother too who loved faithfully until the end.
To know that we get to witness the world through Vincent's eyes is a wonderful thing and I think that the year he was surrounded by the beauty of Provence kept him with his loved ones both family and friends just a little longer. Van Gogh will never be forgotten, but it is work such as this that enables us to know more of the man than his beautiful paintings and sketches.
If ever I wish to time travel it would be to Provence and to simply talk with Vincent because he like so many poets, had a heart and soul that was too fragile and good for this world.
Van Gogh would leave Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in May 1890 and would leave the world July of that year by his own hand.
Vincent van Gogh was 37 years old.
Theo van Gogh would join his brother after pasing away in January 1891 at just 33 years old leaving behind his wife Johanna and son Vincent who was six days from his first birthday.
cemoses's review
5.0
Some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous painting were done during the last year of his life at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole or his mental illness. This book explores life at the asylum at the impact it had on Van Gogh’s work.
I was impressed how productive Van Gogh was at the asylum. With my recent experiences with COVID shut downs, I found it hard to be creative in a lockdown. However, some of Van Gogh’s most well-known paintings were done at the asylum. The book describes day-today life in the asylum how it influenced his paintings. The author traces some of the people and locations that inspired his paintings.
The book is more about Van Gogh’s art than his mental illness. Saint-Paul-de-Mausole seems to be one of the better institutions for mental illness of the time. While treatments for mental illness was very, limited during Van Gogh’s time, the book avoids the question of with Van Gogh’s problems could have been handled any differently with a happier outcome for him.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was impressed how productive Van Gogh was at the asylum. With my recent experiences with COVID shut downs, I found it hard to be creative in a lockdown. However, some of Van Gogh’s most well-known paintings were done at the asylum. The book describes day-today life in the asylum how it influenced his paintings. The author traces some of the people and locations that inspired his paintings.
The book is more about Van Gogh’s art than his mental illness. Saint-Paul-de-Mausole seems to be one of the better institutions for mental illness of the time. While treatments for mental illness was very, limited during Van Gogh’s time, the book avoids the question of with Van Gogh’s problems could have been handled any differently with a happier outcome for him.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
susani_'s review
4.0
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Starry Night is a fully illustrated account of Van Gogh's time at the asylum in Saint-Remy. Despite the challenges of ill health and asylum life, Van Gogh continued to produce a series of masterpieces – cypresses, wheatfields, olive groves and sunsets. He wrote very little about the asylum in letters to his brother Theo, so this book sets out to give an impression of daily life behind the walls of the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and looks at Van Gogh through fresh eyes, with newly discovered material.
I absolutely love the work of Van Gogh, it’s absolutely breathtaking and this book was eye opening to the experiences that Van Gogh and other patients would have gone through in the asylum. I didn’t even know that he was in an asylum.
4..25 stars!
Starry Night is a fully illustrated account of Van Gogh's time at the asylum in Saint-Remy. Despite the challenges of ill health and asylum life, Van Gogh continued to produce a series of masterpieces – cypresses, wheatfields, olive groves and sunsets. He wrote very little about the asylum in letters to his brother Theo, so this book sets out to give an impression of daily life behind the walls of the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and looks at Van Gogh through fresh eyes, with newly discovered material.
I absolutely love the work of Van Gogh, it’s absolutely breathtaking and this book was eye opening to the experiences that Van Gogh and other patients would have gone through in the asylum. I didn’t even know that he was in an asylum.
4..25 stars!
wildgurl's review
4.0
As a Van Gogh fan, I really was impressed and intrigued by this volume of his paintings, while he was at Saint-Paul-du-Mansole (Saint Remy). After cutting off his ear, he had many breakdowns, landing him for long stays at St. Remy. He used his time and the views from Saint Remy as subjects to paint. What makes this book so interesting, is seeing the images in color, for the first time, and the text that accompany each image. The image and the text, together, help explain his mental condition and how Van Gogh used this to further his abilities, his use of brush strokes and the colors he chose to use. I totally enjoyed reading . The history of "Starry Night" and the "Almond Blossoms" are captivating.. This is a must read for any Van Gogh appreciator, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an intriguing novel.
wildgurl's review against another edition
4.0
Huge thank you to netgalley. Martin Bailey and Quarto for sending this e-book for review.
As a Van Gogh fan, I really was intrigued and impressed by this volume of Van Goghs paintings, while he was at Saint-Paul-du-Mansole ( Saint Remy). After slicing off his ear, he had many breakdowns, landing him for stays at Saint Remy. He used his time and the viewsfrom Saint Remy as subjects to paint. What makes this book so interesting is seeing the images in color, for the first time, and the test that accompany each image. The image and text, together, help explain his mental condition and how Van Gogh used this to further his abilities, his use of brush strokes and the colors he chose to use. I totally enjoyed reading this. The history of "Starry Night" and "Almond Blossoms" are captivating, This is a must read for any Van Gogh appreciator, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an intriguing read.
As a Van Gogh fan, I really was intrigued and impressed by this volume of Van Goghs paintings, while he was at Saint-Paul-du-Mansole ( Saint Remy). After slicing off his ear, he had many breakdowns, landing him for stays at Saint Remy. He used his time and the viewsfrom Saint Remy as subjects to paint. What makes this book so interesting is seeing the images in color, for the first time, and the test that accompany each image. The image and text, together, help explain his mental condition and how Van Gogh used this to further his abilities, his use of brush strokes and the colors he chose to use. I totally enjoyed reading this. The history of "Starry Night" and "Almond Blossoms" are captivating, This is a must read for any Van Gogh appreciator, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an intriguing read.
lagadema's review against another edition
5.0
This beautifully illustrated book is about the year that Vincent Van Gogh spent at the asylum in Saint-Remy. We have a chance to see and read about the place, treatments, and his life around the asylum. Even though he is there and has health problems, that is the period when he painted his most famous painting.
I enjoyed reading this book and is an excellent addition to the other books about Van Gogh's life and art.
I enjoyed reading this book and is an excellent addition to the other books about Van Gogh's life and art.
lagadema's review
5.0
This beautifully illustrated book is about the year that Vincent Van Gogh spent at the asylum in Saint-Remy. We have a chance to see and read about the place, treatments, and his life around the asylum. Even though he is there and has health problems, that is the period when he painted his most famous painting.
I enjoyed reading this book and is an excellent addition to the other books about Van Gogh's life and art.
I enjoyed reading this book and is an excellent addition to the other books about Van Gogh's life and art.
noshinbean's review against another edition
4.0
Informative and beautiful. The paintings are all prefaced with background information relevant to van Gogh's point of view. I would have liked to see more about the notes his doctors took during his stay at the asylum. I wanted to know more about the details of his psychological condition. It was heartbreaking to read about the way the patients were treated, especially knowing how far the fields of medicine and psychology have come. I can only wonder how different van Gogh's life would be if he lived in this day and age.
noshinbean's review
4.0
Informative and beautiful. The paintings are all prefaced with background information relevant to van Gogh's point of view. I would have liked to see more about the notes his doctors took during his stay at the asylum. I wanted to know more about the details of his psychological condition. It was heartbreaking to read about the way the patients were treated, especially knowing how far the fields of medicine and psychology have come. I can only wonder how different van Gogh's life would be if he lived in this day and age.