A Fire in His Soul: The Artistic Journey of Vincent van Gogh

Christianity had failed him. What next then? Art?

Vincent van Gogh’s foray into the realm of artistry began falteringly in 1880, yet swiftly escalated into a profound journey that culminated in tragedy when he died by suicide in 1890 at the tender age of 37. This tempestuous life was characterized by both brilliance and turmoil, an existence ultimately extinguished far too early.

A Fire in His Soul: Van Gogh, Paris, and the Making of an Artist, written by Miles J. Unger, serves as an insightful biography interwoven with a critical exploration of van Gogh’s artistic evolution, especially during his transformative years in Montmartre. This biography focuses predominantly on the period from 1886 to 1887, when Vincent shared a cramped flat on the meandering Rue Lepic with his steadfast brother, Theo, a constant source of support.

Why delve into these particular years? Unger posits that this was the time when van Gogh deeply immersed himself in the avant-garde circles of Paris. His interactions with contemporaries such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Emile Bernard, and Gauguin, coupled with the vibrant debates concerning the future of modern art, provided van Gogh with the essential tools to carve out a unique artistic identity for himself. With academicism fading into the background, the quest for what could succeed it became vitally relevant.

During these pivotal years, various art movements clamored for van Gogh’s attention: Impressionism, post-Impressionism, Divisionism, Pointillism, Symbolism, Cloisonnism, Japonisme, and Nabisme, to name a few. Yet, van Gogh’s fiercely individualistic nature meant that he did not readily conform to any single movement. Instead, he artfully extracted elements from these styles, synthesizing a vibrant palette of intense color and the unique texture reminiscent of Japanese prints, thereby crafting an artistic identity that was distinctly his own.

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Unger adeptly navigates the tumultuous debates surrounding art creation during van Gogh’s time. His narrative flows richly, illustrating the complexities of these discussions with a lively and insightful grasp of the social and intellectual milieu. Notably, every writer embarking on van Gogh’s narrative has benefited from his extensive correspondence, which offers a vivid glimpse into his genius and contradictions. Unger’s work is no exception, featuring extensive quotes from these letters that amplify the emotional intensity of van Gogh’s thoughts and ideas.

Vincent van Gogh, Autumn Landscape with Four Trees (1885) — Vincent van Gogh, “Autumn Landscape with Four Trees” (1885)

Complex and oftentimes combative, van Gogh’s personality was equally marked by his passionate work ethic and his fraught relationships with others. Few could navigate his often furious temperament, except for or maybe particularly his supportive younger brother, Theo, who believed in Vincent’s potential brilliance and financially supported him throughout his life.

However, one theme tackled with surprising brevity in Unger’s work is the significance of poetry in van Gogh’s life. Many analyses of van Gogh’s influences tend to spotlight his love for French novels, especially the naturalist writing of Emile Zola. Yet his relationship with poetry—an integral source of his emotional sustenance—remains inadequately explored. Unger notes van Gogh’s painting of a young Belgian poet, titled “The Poet,” but does not delve into its implications or van Gogh’s broader preoccupation with literary creativity, a theme that could have enriched his narrative even further.

Vincent van Gogh, Still Life with Earthenware Pot and Clogs (1884) — Vincent van Gogh, “Still Life with Earthenware Pot and Clogs” (1884)

Vincent van Gogh, The Potato Eaters (1886) — Vincent van Gogh, “The Potato Eaters” (1886)

Ultimately, A Fire in His Soul: Van Gogh, Paris, and the Making of an Artist (2025) by Miles J. Unger, published by Pegasus Books, is a compelling examination of how a young, troubled soul transformed his pain into a body of work that continues to resonate even today. The book is available for purchase both online and in stores, offering both art enthusiasts and casual readers alike a chance to explore the kaleidoscopic journey of one of history’s most enigmatic artists.

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A Fire in His Soul: Van Gogh, Paris, and the Making of an Artist is available now.