Heiligman, Deborah. Vincent & Theo.

Heiligman, Deborah.  Vincent & Theo.      Macmillan/Henry Holt    2017  454p  $19.99  Hardback  ISBN 978-0-8050-9339-1      hs/adult    Biography  VG-BN 

This is a comprehensive biography about two brothers who shared and supported each other through life’s highs and lows, with information based on the letters between Vincent and Theo over the course of their lives. For quite a while most of the world paid attention to Vincent van Gogh and not to Theo. We are now able to see Theo because Vincent sketched several portraits of Theo sitting, in the countryside, in a garden, and so forth. Based on this book, readers will realize that the brothers were intimately entwined. They depended upon on one another in many ways. Vincent was prone to melancholia, depression, and wide mood swings, while Theo was the stable brother, who funded Vincent’s life and career and promoted his artwork.
   

The story of Vincent’s life is multifaceted. He had mood swings that made him sad, low, and angry. During these days he used dark colors and dark shadows in his artwork, and it was full of pessimism. On other days he was full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm, which resulted in the use of brighter colors, sunlight and passion.
    

This book provides an insight into the life of a struggling artist.  It would be a good addition to a high-school collection that needs biographies or materials on artists.

Summary: This is a comprehensive biography about Vincent and Theo van Gogh, two brothers who supported each other through life’s highs and lows, with information based on their letters.

Vincent van Gogh, Theo van Gogh                             --Linda McNeil