2 volumes. [4], xlix, [1], 673; [2], 684, [3] pp. Compiled and with a foreword by Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. Translated from the Dutch into German by Leo Klein-Diepold. Occasional illustrations from sketches and drawings, most by Vincent Van Gogh. (4to) 25.7x19 cm (10¼x7½"), original full brown leather lettered in gilt on front covers and spines, top edges gilt, others untrimmed, pages largely unopened. First Edition in German, deluxe issue.
Rare and apparently unrecorded deluxe issue of this important publication of the letters from Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, compiled by Vincent's sister-in-law (and Theo's widow). This is a presentation copy, inscribed by Johanna van Gogh-Bonger to Magda and Walter Pach, September 1921, on the front flyleaf of Volume I. Walter Pach was an American artist and art critic, his wife Magda a German artist. The importance of the publication of these letters in the establishment of Vincent van Gogh among the major artists of the late 19th century cannot be overstated, nor can the influence of his sister-in-law Johanna van Gogh-Bonger in lifting him from obscurity to the pantheon of great artists. When Vincent Van Gogh died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the summer of 1890, and his brother and longtime supporter Theo passed away six months later, Johanna found herself alone with an infant child and some 200 paintings by Vincent. She was to work tirelessly for the remainder of her life in bringing the genius of Vincent van Gogh to the notice of the art world, exhibiting his works at various salons, placing them on consignment with those dealers who were willing, and telling the artist's story. She went to great lengths in telling Vincent's story and his family history. The organization and publication of these 600 or so letters was a major part of those efforts - the letters from Vincent to his younger brother Theo, his closest companion and often financial supporter, are intimate, detailed, and autobiographical in nature. They present a history that would be otherwise lost. This deluxe issue of the German translation of those letters is much different than the fairly common trade issue, printed on thicker paper and handsomely bound in full leather. The publisher of these volumes, Paul Cassierer, was an art dealer as well as an editor and publisher, and he played a significant role in the promotion of the work of artists of the Berlin Secession and of French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, in particular that of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. This deluxe issue of Van Gogh's letters, undertaken at undoubtedly great expense, underscores Cassierer's recognition of the importance of the mercurial Vincent Van Gogh. We have been able to find no listings of this issue in OCLC/WorldCat, and no records for sale at auction through American Book Prices Current or Rare Book Hub.