Meet Johanna Bonger-van Gogh
Johanna Bonger, born Johanna Gezina Bonger in 1862, was the sister-in-law of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. Johanna married Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s younger brother, in 1889. Following the deaths of both Vincent (1890) and Theo (1891), Johanna was left a widow with a young son. Despite the hardships, she took on the responsibility of managing Vincent’s extensive collection of paintings and letters. Through her tireless efforts, she organized exhibitions, worked with art dealers, and ultimately contributed to the global recognition of Vincent van Gogh as one of the most important artists of his time.
Johanna kept diaries that have provided valuable insight into her personal life, her thoughts on art, and the critical role she played in promoting the legacy of Vincent van Gogh. These diaries reveal her struggles, emotions, and the efforts she undertook after the deaths of her husband, Theo, and Vincent.
The diaries, along with her letters, document her commitment to ensuring that Vincent’s art would be recognized and appreciated, despite the challenges of navigating the art world as a woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Johanna’s deep belief in the value of Vincent’s work helped her overcome many obstacles, and her journals reflect the intense personal and emotional labor she put into promoting his art.
These writings have been used by scholars to gain a better understanding of how Vincent van Gogh’s posthumous success was largely shaped by Johanna’s persistence and strategic efforts. They also provide a more nuanced view of the personal and familial relationships within the van Gogh family, offering perspectives on Joanna’s grief, determination, and vision. While not as widely available as the van Gogh letters, her diaries are a significant historical resource in understanding the broader context of how Vincent van Gogh’s reputation was cemented in the art world.
Johanna was also known for editing and publishing Vincent’s letters, which have become a significant resource for understanding his life and artistic journey. Her work ensured that both the artworks and personal writings of Vincent van Gogh were preserved and appreciated.
Book Review:
"The Secret Life of Sunflowers" by Marta Molnar and Dana Marton
Based on the diary of Johanna Bonger-van Gogh and the letters her brother in law , Vincent Van Gogh wrote. This is a beautifully written book about the woman responsible for bringing Vincent van Gogh’s works to the world’s attention. Juxtaposed with Jo’s story is the modern story of a young woman who discovers Jo’s diary and is inspired to follow her own dreams. I loved this book and highly recommend it. The narrator does a skillful job of bringing both women’s voices to life.