Who Shot Van Gogh?: Facts and Counterfacts About the World?s Most Famous Artist

by Alan Turnbull

Fact or fiction? An imaginative assemblage of statements about Vincent van Gogh that challenges what we think we know about the artist’s much mythologized existence.  Van Gogh is the most famous artist in the world, yet our understanding of his life is full of contradictions. Art historians, filmmakers, journalists, psychologists, and conspiracy theorists have offered theories on his life and work, yet their views are often poles apart. Van Gogh has been described as a suffering genius; a nature-loving innocent; a man of violence, a danger to himself and others; the embodiment of peace and compassion; a religious fanatic; a Marxist; a madman; a cultural commodity; and an investment opportunity. Where does the truth lie and the myth begin? This original and wide-ranging book provokes new questions about how we see his life and work. Divided into the recurring themes that run through the artist’s life and legacy, this book presents a collage of facts and “counterfacts” about the artist, dating from his lifetime until now, from a wide field of fellow artists, friends and family, doctors and psychoanalysts, actors and writers, theorists, crackpots, and scholars. Conflicting statements go hand in hand with an unconventional curation of featuring postcards of locations associated with the artist, photographs of a fraudster’s legal trial, a children’s toy, a bottle label, and a rusty revolver. Turnbull presents a kaleidoscope of fact and fiction about the world’s most discussed artist―sometimes funny, sometimes heartrending, always revealing―giving readers new insights into the artist, his work, and his legacy. Van Gogh himself would be amazed not only to see what people have said about him, but also to grasp the global phenomenon that he has become. A must-have for art lovers and museumgoers, this book invites all readers familiar with Van Gogh to challenge received ideas about the man and his work.  57 illustrations

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Art

272 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

i could have cured him

[Ariana Violet Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lack of narration + emotional bias + romantic tones, chefs kiss

[Sebastiaan Vanbesien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book that tries to distinguish fact from fiction. It well researched and written in a nice pace with ample information without ever getting stuffy or boring. A must read for every Van Gogh fan!

[Julia McPhillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible and should be read by anyone who has ever admired Van Gogh’s work. His life and death are one of mystery in the world of art, and this book does an incredible job of detailing each account and opinion surrounding Van Gogh. The author remains unbiased and the reader does not feel pressured to see one story more true than another, only labeling things as more or less credible/accurate based on fact.

I really love how the author divided the book into 4 chapters, all of which had sections that are important in Van Gogh’s story. Additionally, the ending felt so impactful, as the author explained the “lifelines” of those surrounding Van Gogh’s life.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book to all art and non art lovers.

[hiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

such an interesting way of biographising van gogh and his life. the concept of giving facts and counter facts is such a memorable way of learning about him and being able to understand him a way different to the letters through current day concepts is very fun!

lost a star bc i thought this would be much more murder mystery but i think that’s just my true crime loving side showing haha

[Samm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’ve read at least 10-15 different books about Van Gogh in the past few years and I felt that I learned so much from this book. I liked how it was written - in short facts grouped together under a common purpose. It made for a quick read.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most thought provoking publication. Having said that, the tiny paragraphs made for quick reading, and there was something in all of that information that made me walk away with a sense for the myth of the man and how it came to be what it was. I'm glad I read it.

[Giovanna Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took so long to read it as I didn't want to finish it. LOVED it!

Opened my eyes to all the stories about Van Gogh, and the interpretations that people put on him and his work. I liked how the opposing views were put side by side, and how some were just plain ridiculous - especially when read with letters written by Van Gogh that state the exact opposite.

I like the chapter breakdown of 'issues', and didn't mind that it wasn't a linear story, I think that the structure made the message stronger - focussing on all the contradictions that have been written about Van Gogh's life.

It's often quite dry in its humour, I often laughed out loud.

As an art lover I enjoyed the different presentation, I didn't find it dry, or academic at all. I'm just really surprised (disappointed for the author) that it hasn't garnered a wider readership. Although perhaps it hasn't because certain interests want to keep the myth alive.

'A film reviewer once said that the poster for 'Lust for Life', featuring Kirk Douglas made up to look like Van Gogh, was so vulgar that should Van Gogh return to life and see it, it would be enough to make him cut off his other ear.' p 155

[Lauren Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Turnbull’s Fact or Fiction? is a fascinating and unconventional look at Vincent van Gogh. Instead of retelling the same well-known biography, it explores the myths, contradictions, and cultural narratives that have surrounded him for more than a century.

The book is structured as a collage of voices, friends, family, scholars, artists, even conspiracy theorists paired with intriguing visual elements like postcards, trial photos, a bottle label, and even a revolver. It’s part history, part cultural commentary, and part art object.

What I loved most is that it doesn’t try to define who Van Gogh “really” was. Instead, it makes you question how we form our understanding of famous figures and shows how one man’s life became a global legend. It’s insightful, beautifully curated, and makes you see Van Gogh’s legacy in a completely new way.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in art, history, or the stories we tell about creative genius.

[Rants Hemlock · Rating 3 out of 5]

extremely impressive amount of research went into this and it is fascinating to see a picture being built of a real man under the legend but i feel like the book relies too much on just listing information which is initially very interesting but by the dozenth list of contradicting information i found the method slightly tiring. the point was made but i felt like it could have been done in a way that felt slightly less like padding. enormous amount of respect for this book but definitely holds no interest for anyone who isn't as obsessed with Vincent as i am

[Brooke Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who sometimes has a hard time reading physical nonfiction (I normally use audiobooks), I liked the format that this book was written in. The almost bullet-point style made it easy to digest and also showed excellent points of juxtaposition throughout the various sections of the book.

[Samantha Amato · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at misconceptions surrounding the life of Van Gogh. If you are interested in the artist, it is worth reading.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few interesting bit and pieces, but overall this felt like a bit of a lazy book. The author's research wasn't wide or deep enough for my liking - there is tons of juicy stuff he missed out.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like Van Gogh shot Van Gogh, almost certainly. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. Not a flamingo wearing a duck-feather costume.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so fascinated by van Gogh's life! You know that question, something to the effect of, "If you could ask how-ever-many-people to dinner, either dead or living, who would they be?" Well, he'd sit at the head of my table. I think this was an exceptional book addressing the questions swirling around his life. I highly recommend!

And while this isn't book related, it's Vincent related, soooo..."Vincent (Starry Starry Night)," by another great, Don McLean, is such an astounding, beautiful homage to the man who seemed to just have so many struggles.

Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and gray
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul...

Now, I understand what you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

For they could not love you
But still your love was true

And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do

But I could have told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you

💖🖼🎨🌟🌟😭