There's a lot of hype publicity surrounding the publication of a 900+ page book with a new theory about how Vincent van Gogh died. He apparently didn't commit suicide but was shot by two boys accidentally who he then protected them by saying he'd shot himself. A curator from the Van Gogh Museum isn't convinced.
Watch the CBS 60-minutes program on it for yourself: Part 1 and Part 2 or read a transcript. (It's somewhat ironic in a program presenting "the truth" to have the artist's name pronounced "Van Go".)
The evidence isn't exactly compellingly overwhelmingly, and if Vincent van Gogh wanted us to believe he had, why now let him have at least this aspect of his life go his way? We already know he was a difficult man who led a difficult life. It doesn't change his paintings, they're still the same as they were last week.
Controversy, new theories, and celebrity do of course sell books. No doubt it'll sell many copies of Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith's book too. Go on then, do it using this affiliate link, then About.com and myself earn a teeny bit from it too: Buy Direct -- Van Gogh a Life.
See Also:
• Review: New Illustrated Edition of Van Gogh's Letters
• Photos: Van Gogh Letters
Watch the CBS 60-minutes program on it for yourself: Part 1 and Part 2 or read a transcript. (It's somewhat ironic in a program presenting "the truth" to have the artist's name pronounced "Van Go".)
The evidence isn't exactly compellingly overwhelmingly, and if Vincent van Gogh wanted us to believe he had, why now let him have at least this aspect of his life go his way? We already know he was a difficult man who led a difficult life. It doesn't change his paintings, they're still the same as they were last week.
Controversy, new theories, and celebrity do of course sell books. No doubt it'll sell many copies of Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith's book too. Go on then, do it using this affiliate link, then About.com and myself earn a teeny bit from it too: Buy Direct -- Van Gogh a Life.
See Also:
• Review: New Illustrated Edition of Van Gogh's Letters
• Photos: Van Gogh Letters
Comments
A stunning story. I’m still reeling from the shock.
But if it’s true, Van Gogh then was a very kind and generous man.Not so incredible when we know that he had to become a pastor (but he failed the exam)!I believe now his painting vocation was a priesthood! To madness.
This story has something quasi-religious to me. Close to a parable. Moving.
Why is it that Americans just don’t get pronunciation? “Van Go” is only one example.
Oh yes, David, we must always pronounce it Van Ho-phlegm and keep our little fingers extended as we do so.
American English does have its own pronunciation of words, but it’s a matter of respect to pronounce someone’s name correctly. Americanizing it is disrespectful.
I bet those who say “Van Go” is fine don’t think twice before correcting someone who mispronounces their own name.
Is there anyway to test Vincent or Theo’s DNA anymore (120 yrs later)? And if so, what could we find out? Disease(s) they really suffered from or died from. Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith’s 60 minute story did not mention this possibility. As a genealogy researcher, the medical diagnostic field has advanced tremendously in 100 years. Signs and symptoms had to be overlooked and not documented correctly. Where as current medical testing, if it was possible, could tell us so much more.
A Van Gogh Admirer
I’ve read extensively on Vincent van Gogh, including the 3 volumes of his Letters, and am convinced that he died of Syphilis and so did his brother Theo. So, I won’t be reading this new book as I’m prejudiced and think it’s a hokey theory.