Vincent van Gogh succumbed to the effects of his suicide on the 29th of July 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise, just a few months after the first serious review of his work was published by art critic Gabriel-Albert Aurier entitled Les isolés. Vincent van Gogh.
Appreciation and reception of Van Gogh’s work
How did the artist, who only sold one or two paintings during his lifetime and was unable to support himself financially become one of the most sought-after, highly valued painters of our time, with art sales nowadays breaking record prices? This contrast has been referred to and cited many times over. The appreciation and reception of Van Gogh’s work shifted in the decades after his death.
PhD research
With the title The Reception of Vincent van Gogh in Paris 1886-1914: Art Dealers, Collectors and Critics this study intends to clarify the actions of the artistic circles in Paris – artists, critics, collectors, dealers and institutions – in relation to the works of Vincent van Gogh in the context of their time, to gain a better understanding of his reception and reputation.
Contrary to earlier overviews, which treat the critical reception on its own, this study will consider the aforementioned fields contributing to Van Gogh’s reception.
The aim is to create an overview of the early French reception in the field of the art market, art criticism, art exhibitions and finally contemporary artistic production in Paris from 1886 to 1914.
Gerritse will perform her research at the University of Amsterdam, under the guidance of prof. dr. Gregor M. Langfeld, Universiteit van Amsterdam, dr. Rachel Esner, Universiteit van Amsterdam & prof. dr. J. Louis van Tilborgh, Universiteit van Amsterdam/Van Gogh Museum.
The research is planned to finalize in December 2025.