Van Gogh in Provence and Auvers

I have read a myriad of art books, both "en français" and in English, of Van Gogh's works and never, never have I experienced the passion and vibrancy of his colors in a reproduction as I did while leafing through Welsh's latest book.

Only after my three hours with Van Gogh originals at the Los Angeles Museum of Art this past February and several visits to the Getty and their special exhibit of Van Gogh irises did I realize how washed out and virtually lifeless most printed reproductions are. Even slides I purchased at the Musée d'Orsay miss the mark.

Not so with Welsh's work! Once again, with this book, did I sense the passion (LUST FOR LIFE, revisted)and once again did I shed tears in marvelling at the sheer beauty and poignancy of Van Gogh paintings.

Thank you, Bobi, for your dedication to this masterwork.


A feast of color   October 26, 1999
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

The author has compiled a ravishing collection of Van Gogh's works, many of which are in private collections and have never (or rarely) been reproduced before. Chronicling the last few years of the artist's life, this collection offers a much more revealing look at his major artistic output-- and provides a clearer view of his themes, techniques, style, and their development-- than any previous volume. In addition, the reproductions are spectacular. Great care has apparently been taken to print the plates with as much fidelity to the originals as possible in this medium. If the author's accompanying text is somewhat dry and pedestrian, the images more than make up for it. Vincent painted a clearer picture of his life than any biographer is likely to give us and, coupled with his own writings (they ARE still in print, aren't they?), this volume must stand as a major testament to the artist. What a tribute! Well worth the cover price.