February 1857 – Zundert, Netherlands
Event: Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s brother, was born.
Relationships: Future lifelong supporter and confidant.
Van Gogh's February Timeline
February marked pivotal transitions in Van Gogh’s extraordinary life - from the birth of his brother Theo to moments of spiritual crisis and eventual artistic rejuvenation. Whether preaching in the Borinage or painting under asylum care in Saint-Rémy, month-by-month comparative timelines can offer a deeper, more visual way to understand how a journey unfolds across time.
Van Gogh’s February Timeline
Discover the critical moments of Vincent van Gogh’s life and art that unfolded in February — from spiritual awakenings to the seeds of artistic mastery.
February 1879 – Wasmes, Belgium
Event: Vincent gave away belongings while serving poor miners.
Health: Physically weak; intense emotional state.
Letters: Letter 136 explains his spiritual devotion.
February 1888 – Arles, France
Event: Arrived in Arles seeking light and inspiration.
Health: Energised and hopeful.
Letters: Letter 589 shares first impressions.
February 1889 – Arles, France
Event: Continued recovery after mental health crisis.
Health: Delicate; struggling with hallucinations.
Art: Still lifes and introspective portraits.
February 1890 – Saint-Rémy, France
Event: Still in asylum; working steadily.
Health: Some progress; ongoing seizures.
Art: Painted nature scenes with renewed clarity.
Letters: Letters 630–633 reveal cautious optimism.
February 1857 - Zundert, Netherlands
- Event: Vincent’s younger brother, Theo van Gogh, was born on 1 February 1857.
- Health: Vincent (aged 3) was reportedly healthy.
- Relationships: Theo would later become his most important emotional and financial support.
February 1879 — Wasmes, Belgium
- Location: Borinage mining district
- Event: Vincent, working as a lay preacher, gave away nearly all possessions to the poor miners. His excessive zeal caused concern among church authorities.
- Health: Physically weak, emotionally intense
- Art: Still not a practising artist
- Letters: Letter 136: Vincent discusses his sacrifices and religious devotion
February 1888 — Arles, France
- Location: Arrived in Arles on 20 February
- Event: Believed Arles offered the “light of Japan” and moved there for inspiration
- Health: Highly enthusiastic, hopeful
- Art: Sketched and prepared to paint blossoming orchards and Provençal life
- Letters: Letter 589: Describes first impressions of Arles and future plans
February 1889 — Arles, France
- Event: After his mental health crisis in December, he was recovering but increasingly unstable.
- Health: Suffering from hallucinations and severe anxiety
- Art: Managed some painting, including still lifes and portraits
- Letters: Letter 589 (continued): References to his health and thoughts about entering a hospital
February 1890 — Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
- Event: Still residing in the asylum
- Health: Marked improvements, though anxiety and seizures persisted
- Art: Painted under supervision — subjects included irises, cypresses, and mountains
- Letters: Letters 630–633: Express artistic reflections and some hope
January ~ February ~ March ~ April ~ May ~ June ~ July ~ August ~ September ~ October ~ November ~ December
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Disclaimer
I'm an enthusiast who enjoys going down rabbit holes researching the details.
I like to illustrate events and letters using AI, bringing to life what we can only imagine.
Themed artwork and merch contribute to the "microdoses of aesthetics" that bring me joy.