Jo van Gogh-Bonger

The fascinating life of a visionary woman with the drive to shake the art world to its core.

Little known but widely influential, Jo van Gogh-Bonger (1862–1925) was the wife of Theo and sister-in-law of Vincent van Gogh. When the brothers died soon after each other, she took charge of van Gogh’s artistic legacy in 1891 and devoted the rest of her life to disseminating his work. She published his letters, organized exhibitions in the Netherlands and throughout the world, and made strategic sales to private individuals and influential dealers. While her efforts on van Gogh's behalf were crucial to the reputation of his art, she led a remarkable life in her own right. She was friends with eminent writers and artists, active within the Dutch Social Democratic Workers’ Party, and involved with burgeoning women’s movements.

Drawing on rich source material including unseen diaries, documents, and letters, Hans Luijten examines the often-overlooked force behind Vincent van Gogh's enduring artistic legacy. Rich and compelling, this much-needed biography also sheds new light on the complex history of public appreciation for the artist.