"Martin Bailey has written some of the most interesting books on
Vincent's life in France, where he produced his greatest work" - Johan
van Gogh, grandson of Theo, the artist's brother
Studio of the South tells the story of Van Gogh's stay in Arles,
when his powers were at their height.
For Van Gogh, the south of France was an exciting new land, bursting
with life. He walked into the hills inspired by the landscapes, and
painted harvest scenes in the heat of summer. He visited a fishing
village where he saw the Mediterranean for the first time, energetically
capturing it in paint. He painted portraits of friends and locals, and
flower still life paintings, culminating in the now iconic Sunflowers.
He rented the Yellow House, and gradually did it up, calling it 'an
artist's house', inviting Paul Gauguin to join him there. This encounter
was to have a profound impact on both of the artists. They painted side
by side, their collaboration coming to a dramatic end a few months
later. The difficulties Van Gogh faced led to his eventual decision to
retreat to the asylum at Saint-Remy.
Based on extensive original research, the book reveals discoveries that
throw new light on the legendary artist and give a definitive account of
his fifteen months in Provence, including his time at the Yellow House,
his collaboration with Gauguin and its tragic and shocking ending.
