Van Gogh Museum Acquires Rare Joint Letter by van Gogh and Gauguin

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has acquired a rare letter co-written by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin in 1888, addressed to artist Emile Bernard. The letter, purchased at auction, describes their life together in Arles at the "Yellow House," their artistic collaboration, and their vision of modern art. It was written about a week after Gauguin's arrival, as van Gogh sought to convince Bernard to join them and establish an artists' colony. The letter alternates between the two voices, offering psychological insight into their relationship before van Gogh's ear-cutting incident. It will be featured in the upcoming exhibition "Your Loving Vincent" opening October 9, which showcases 40 of van Gogh's most famous letters alongside iconic works such as "The Bedroom," "The Sower," and "The Potato Eaters." Museum director Emilie Gordenker expressed gratitude to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation for enabling the acquisition, noting its significance for the collection and the autumn exhibition.