Faith, hope and love
The Kröller-Müller collection comprises 88 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, most of which were acquired between 1908 and 1930 by the museum's founder, Helene Kröller-Müller. In the exhibition, all the paintings are displayed in relation to the three divine virtues of faith, hope and love. These three themes play a central role in Van Gogh's life and work. He searches for a form of art that stems from his personal struggles. In so doing, he hopes to offer comfort and hope to others.
From preacher to artist
Vincent van Gogh mentions the three virtues in the first sermon he gives as a theology student on Sunday 29 October 1876, at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Richmond. Van Gogh's career as a preacher is short-lived and, on the advice of his brother Theo, he chooses to become an artist. Van Gogh remains faithful to these values, but from that point on he expresses them through his art. In this way, he hopes to offer people enlightenment in a different way.
‘But though to be born again to eternal life, to the life of Faith, Hope and Charity […]’
Vincent's view of the world
Van Gogh spends some time working as an errand boy at his uncle's international art dealership, Goupil & Cie. This gives him a broad knowledge of art history. He is keenly aware of the influence that art has, not only on the present but also the future. He admires artists who possess the ability to depict everyday events and the world around them – people and nature. How they transform personal reflections into art full of symbolism and meaning. This inspires Van Gogh in his own mission: through his paintings, he shares his personal view of life. At the same time, he seeks a way to clarify the world, thus demonstrating that he is a pioneer of modern art.