The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters

Vincent van Gogh, 'Still Life with a Plate of Onions', Early January 1889. Oil on canvas, 49.6 x 64.4 cm. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands. 23 January - 18 April 2010

In the Main Galleries

The Royal Academy of Arts presents a landmark exhibition of the work of Vincent Van Gogh (1853–1890). The focus of the exhibition is the artist's remarkable correspondence.

Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public due to their fragility, are on display; together with around 65 paintings and 30 drawings that express the principal themes to be found within the correspondence.

The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years, this is a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the complex mind of Vincent van Gogh.

Organisation

The exhibition has been curated by Ann Dumas of the Royal Academy of Arts, London, in collaboration with Leo Jansen, Hans Luijten and Nienke Bakker of the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Sponsor's statement

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, yet in ‘The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters’ words redefine our understanding and appreciation of one of the most revered figures in the Post-Impressionist movement. Through the juxtaposition of Van Gogh's letters and his art, we see his life, work and passions illuminated as never before.

BNY Mellon's commitment to the arts as part of our wider philanthropic endeavours spans many projects and countries. As a company we are dedicated to assisting in the enrichment of the cultural life of communities around the world. The Royal Academy’s championing of public access and education reflects the key principles that direct BNY Mellon’s international programme of arts sponsorship.

We are delighted to be associated with this momentous work of scholarship. To have our understanding of an established artist recast and renewed is always an enriching experience. In the case of an artist of such iconic stature as Van Gogh, whose life and work has been so comprehensively scrutinised, the scope for reappraisal offered by this remarkable exhibition can genuinely be described as historic.