Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist

by Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan, Sandra Jane Jordan

Book Overview

This lively, beautifully written biography (Kirkus Reviews) of the famous Post-Impressionist artist who painted Starry Night and many other masterpieces is fascinating reading (School Library Journal, Starred Review). Vincent Van Gogh--one of the nineteenth century's most brilliant artist--will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who pioneered new techniques and styles and who, in a fit of passion, cut off his own ear. Whether painting a portrait,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440419174
• ISBN13: 9780440419174
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Yearling Books
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Must buy!

Great book for all kids. I'm an art teacher and have used this book as an assigned reading. It's very hard to find good books for kids about artists. This is the exception.

Odd duck Dutchman disappoints, ditches; gains respect and admiration for masterful artwork only in d

The last words of a dying Vincent van Gogh, having shot himself in the stomach ten years into his career as an artist, (p 103) "I wished I could pass away like this." A tragic ending to a troubled life, van Gogh was only thirty-seven years old. Although his family worried about his extremist behavior, mental state, relationships with women, and inability to make a decent wage (for much of his life, his brother Theo supported him), the Dutchman's self-confidence in the salability of his work is obvious from letters he wrote to his supportive younger brother (over 600 in all). And although he had male friendships, female relationships, and a brief engagement, his affliction with a medical condition, (p 86) "an unusual form of epilepsy, possibly complicated by the effects of absinthe or digitalis poisoning," resulted in occasional bizarre behavior and a reputations as a bit of a mental case: Vincent (p 79) "slashed off his earlobe with a razor" after an altercation with his roommate and friend Paul Gauguin. The book covers from his birth, to a pastor father and an amateur artist mother; through his various careers, primarily as a missionary and then a painter; to his early death and includes information on his relationships and paintings (including photographs), and geographical locations. Although written at about a fourth grade reading level, Vincent van Gogh, an excellent, chronologically-written biography of a misunderstood man, might better be saved for sixth grade and up due to the sensitive issue of suicide. Also good: The Second Mrs. Giaconda by E.L. Konigsburg (for adults) and Art Songs: Ten Songs about Artists by Agnes and Aubrey (kids music CD).

Letters from Vincent to his brother and patron

Vincent Van Gogh only painted for ten years of his life but his paintings are still compelling to modern audiences. This biography of the painter is directed to ages 10 and older and provides a discussion of not only his works, but why he went mad and why he cut off his ear. Letters from Vincent to his brother and patron explore his behaviors and thinking.