'I have a certain faith in art, a certain trust that it's a powerful current that drives a person - although he has to cooperate - to a haven...' - To Theo van Gogh, Sunday, 11 March 1883, The Hague

Vincent van Gogh's steadfast passion for his work gave us a glorious body of paintings and sketches that demonstrate both his growth and his greatness. But his letters show something equally unique, a man who - despite considerable struggle - believed in the essential goodness of humankind.

The quotes and images in this book, extracted from the Van Gogh Museum collection, illustrate beautifully Van Gogh's artistic development, and his search for a deeper sense of belonging and fulfillment in life.

'But you must love with a high, serious intimate sympathy, with a will, with intelligence, and you must always seek to know more thoroughly, better, and more.' - To Theo van Gogh, between about Tuesday, 22 and Thursday, 24 June 1880, Cuesmes

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) was a junior clerk at an art firm, teacher, bookseller, student and preacher before he decided at the age of 27 to become an artist. He worked as an artist for just ten years and was virtually unknown throughout his life, but his work changed the history of art forever.