Theo gave Vincent his unconditional support, both financial and emotional, even if it was not always easy for him. So why did he keep doing it? Did he spot Vincent’s talent early on? Or was it simply out of love for his brother?
Growing up together in Zundert
1 May 1857: Theo, son of Anna and Theodorus van Gogh, is born at the vicarage in Zundert, a village in the province of Brabant. He is the family’s third child after brother Vincent and sister Anna. Two more sisters will follow, Lies and Willemien, and a little brother called Cor.
The Van Goghs are middle class. Theodorus’s job as a minister means that the family has to play an exemplary role in the Protestant community of the otherwise largely Catholic village.
Theo is Vincent’s junior by four years – a big gap when you are young. All the same, the brothers are drawn together. As soon as Theo is old enough, they share an attic bedroom.
Theo admires his big brother, who tells him all about nature. They build a sand fort together in the garden. Theo is seven when Vincent has to leave the family home to attend boarding school. They now only see each other during the holidays.
