Did Van Gogh have a hard time in the asylum?

Although Vincent van Gogh was very productive while in the asylum in Saint-Rémy, he had a few mental collapses. Also being around 18 other mentally troubled patients was very difficult for him at times, but he got used to it.

Today 131 years ago, on or about 21 October 1889,

Vincent van Gogh wrote to his mother Anna van Gogh-Carbentus from the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:

“..at the moment I’m working on a portrait of one of the patients here. It’s strange that when one is with them for some time and is used to them, one no longer thinks about their being mad.”

Portrait of a One-Eyed Man
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 1889
Oil on canvas
56.5 x 36.6 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

You may also like to read:

• Which paintings did Van Gogh make in the asylum?

Van Gogh's 'Portrait of a One-Eyed Man'

Your daily dose of Van Gogh.

<< previous | next >>