An intimate testament to the power of friendship between two creative forces—available again in English after more than a century. "I exaggerate, sometimes I change the subject, but I don't invent the whole painting. Instead, I find it ready, but it needs to be unraveled, in the real world." — Vincent van Gogh.

The painter and poet Émile Bernard, with his direct insight, offers a close perspective on the hardships faced by the beloved Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. First published in French in 1911, and here presented in English for the first time, Bernard describes van Gogh's approach to painting, his tools, his style, and his love for the medium.

Moreover, he records his efforts to gain recognition for van Gogh's work after his death, a testament to true friendship. He sheds light on the artistic community to which they belonged, discussing notable figures such as Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Émile Zola, in the historical narrative of his friend's life and work.

Letters van Gogh wrote to a young Bernard, some of which are included in this volume, highlight the importance of their friendship. Van Gogh's words of advice to Bernard, as well as his thoughts on his own practice, inspirations, and creative struggles are revealed in these pages.

Collected and introduced by the leading van Gogh scholar, Martin Bailey, these texts offer a sensitive and nuanced portrait of van Gogh that transcends his reputation as a troubled genius.

Pages: 96, Year of Publication: 0605, Dimensions: 10.8x10.8cm.