Mother's Day
Van Gogh's mother liked to paint. She gave Vincent his first drawing lessons at home and also encouraged him to read.
Portrait of Anna Carbentus, the mother of Vincent van Gogh.
Photo with Jo Bonger, Theo's wife (left), Mother Van Gogh (in the middle) and Vincent jr. (Theo and Jo's son).
Vincent van Gogh, Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen, 1884
When mother was housebound after breaking her leg in 1884, Vincent painted the church in their village to cheer her up.
After Vincent moved to France, he exchanged letters with his mother in The Netherlands. This kept him up to date on how she was doing.
Van Gogh’s parents certainly had their hands full with a son who often embarrassed them. Yet, no matter what happened, they kept supporting him. Vincent appreciated that.
"You and Pa have been so much, so very much to me, and I don't seem to have had a happy nature."
What makes your mother happy?
