9781422285404

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(Mary Evans / Interfoto / Sammlung Rauch)

 ABOVE:  A portrait by Vincent of his brother, Theo (c. 1880).

parents while he tested different drawing techniques and styles. He chose a variety of subject matters, concentrating on perspective, anatomy, and shading. These early works included many aspects of peasant life and he developed a passion for drawing figures. He began lessons with Anton Mauve (a cousin by marriage) and started a relationship

gave in to his younger sibling’s constant pressure and resigned himself to becoming an artist. Vincent severely doubted his abilities, as did his parents, but Theo Van Gogh was persistent with his belief in the aspiring artist and willingly provided the means to enable his brother to paint. At the age of 27, Van Gogh moved back in with his