Mons, Belgium | Summer 2019

Vincent van Gogh, 1853-1890, is one of Europe’s most celebrated post-impressionist artists, whose career began in the Borinage. Vincent arrived in Mons, Belgium in December of 1878. At this time, Mons was the center of rural, working-class life and Vincent was an ill-accomplished preacher and art dealer, struggling to find success in Europe.

Vincent stayed in the former mining district of Mons from 1879-1880. During this time, he abandoned his profession as an art dealer for a voluntary, 6 month trial period at a Protestant missionary school. As a foreigner, he was soon dismissed from the church and ostracized by his religious family.

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Sinking into failure at the age of 26, he started neglecting himself and fell into a heavy depression. His only support was his correspondence with his brother, friend and confident, Theo. Following Theo’s advice, it was in this small town that Vincent Van Gogh decided to trade in his bible for a paint brush and become a professional artist.

“Now without in any way daring to claim to rise as high as them, nevertheless, by continuing to draw these types of workmen, I’m confident of succeeding in becoming more or less capable of working in magazine or book illustration. First and foremost, when I’ll be able to pay more for models, and female models too, I’ll make further progress; I feel it and I know it. But that depends on working hard/ not a day without a line.” – Vincent

He registered in the nearby Royal Academy of fine arts to attend drawing courses, and learned from engravings sent to him by Theo of artists such as Jean-Francois Millet. Repeated themes developed in Mons, such as the daily lives of farmers and miners. His letters to Theo and early illustrations often recorded the harsh living conditions of local miners.

Vincent left Mons “seeking air and light”. He moved to Paris with his brother Theo and pursued further training among contemporary artists. He transitioned from graphics to paints and other mediums to experiment with light. His bold colors and dramatic brush strokes paved the way for modern, 20th century artists. Creators around the world continue to study his work as revolutionary in light, color and expression.