A secret van Gogh. His Motif and Motives

Book excerpt: This book investigates a complex layer ofmysteries and cluesconcealed in van Gogh's paintings and biography. New points of view on the painter's life are introduced and a foundation is laid for the interpretation of the iconography withinhis work. The book deduces from the painter's biography: a previously unexplored interpretation of the final argument with Gauguin; the critical role played by Rachel, la jeune fille d'Arles working in rue des Récollets, in the final years of the painter's life; Theo's role in quelling the scandal of the December 23rd ear amputation and Gauguin's ensuing arrest; The author underscores his thesis though a series of details in van Gogh's works, the painter's own letters, and by re-visiting well known events in his life. This juxtaposing of biographical facts with the psychological origins of the works posits an exciting new thesis in "A Secret of Van Gogh: His Motif and Motives" that will be of great interest to a wide audience of readers.