Review: A lucid, engaging tour of an enigmatic icon
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 11, 2012
Years ago, before I had small children, I enjoyed countless opportunities to "appreciate art." Although I never formally studied the subject, I've always liked ruminating on certain works.Van Gogh's paintings have always conjured powerful emotions in me. You can sense a kind of demented brilliance, even in his quieter paintings, that puts you on edge, but in a good way. If that makes any sense.I wish I had purchased and read this book before my trip to the Van Gogh museum (10 years ago). It's concise, fun and refreshingly free of what the author calls "art historical twaddle." Van Gogh was not a born genius. He worked assiduously to develop his talent, quite possibly driving himself insane in the process. His works radically impacted the world, but he died alone, believing he was a failure. Beauty borne from turbulence is a special kind of beauty, captured gorgeously in paintings like The Garden of the Aslyum.I found this tale surprisingly inspirational and thoroughly fun.