Jo Van Gogh-bonger built Van Gogh’s legacy
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In Paris, Jo van Gogh-Bonger inherited over 400 paintings and 700 letters after the deaths of her husband, Theo van Gogh, and his brother, Vincent van Gogh.
Theo financially supported Vincent, an artist who struggled for recognition during his life. After both brothers died, Jo dedicated herself to promoting Vincent’s work, believing he was a genius. She organized exhibitions, published Vincent’s letters revealing his thoughts and artistic process, and tirelessly publicized his art across Europe and America.
Jo understood Vincent felt isolated, and experts now suggest news of her engagement to Theo may have triggered fears of abandonment, contributing to Vincent’s decision to cut off his ear. A stressful visit with Jo and Theo shortly before Vincent’s suicide, during which Theo discussed potentially changing jobs, also likely exacerbated Vincent’s distress.
While neither Jo nor Vincent considered The Starry Night among his best works, Vincent even criticized it as lacking character, the painting eventually became one of the most famous in the world. Jo’s efforts ultimately transformed Vincent van Gogh from an obscure, troubled artist into a celebrated figure, though she sometimes felt guilt about her possible role in his suffering. She spent three decades championing his art, leaving a lasting impact on how the world views his work and life.
