Van Gogh's February Timeline

February marked pivotal transitions in Van Gogh’s extraordinary life - from the birth of his brother Theo to moments of spiritual crisis and eventual artistic rejuvenation. Whether preaching in the Borinage or painting under asylum care in Saint-Rémy, month-by-month comparative timelines can offer a deeper, more visual way to understand how a journey unfolds across time.

Van Gogh’s February Timeline

Discover the critical moments of Vincent van Gogh’s life and art that unfolded in February — from spiritual awakenings to the seeds of artistic mastery.

February 1857 – Zundert, Netherlands

Event: Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s brother, was born.

Relationships: Future lifelong supporter and confidant.

February 1879 – Wasmes, Belgium

Event: Vincent gave away belongings while serving poor miners.

Health: Physically weak; intense emotional state.

Letters: Letter 136 explains his spiritual devotion.

February 1888 – Arles, France

Event: Arrived in Arles seeking light and inspiration.

Health: Energised and hopeful.

Letters: Letter 589 shares first impressions.

February 1889 – Arles, France

Event: Continued recovery after mental health crisis.

Health: Delicate; struggling with hallucinations.

Art: Still lifes and introspective portraits.

February 1890 – Saint-Rémy, France

Event: Still in asylum; working steadily.

Health: Some progress; ongoing seizures.

Art: Painted nature scenes with renewed clarity.

Letters: Letters 630–633 reveal cautious optimism.

February 1857 - Zundert, Netherlands

  • Event: Vincent’s younger brother, Theo van Gogh, was born on 1 February 1857.
  • Health: Vincent (aged 3) was reportedly healthy.
  • Relationships: Theo would later become his most important emotional and financial support.

February 1879 — Wasmes, Belgium

  • Location: Borinage mining district
  • Event: Vincent, working as a lay preacher, gave away nearly all possessions to the poor miners. His excessive zeal caused concern among church authorities.
  • Health: Physically weak, emotionally intense
  • Art: Still not a practising artist
  • Letters: Letter 136: Vincent discusses his sacrifices and religious devotion

February 1888 — Arles, France

  • Location: Arrived in Arles on 20 February
  • Event: Believed Arles offered the “light of Japan” and moved there for inspiration
  • Health: Highly enthusiastic, hopeful
  • Art: Sketched and prepared to paint blossoming orchards and Provençal life
  • Letters: Letter 589: Describes first impressions of Arles and future plans

February 1889 — Arles, France

  • Event: After his mental health crisis in December, he was recovering but increasingly unstable.
  • Health: Suffering from hallucinations and severe anxiety
  • Art: Managed some painting, including still lifes and portraits
  • Letters: Letter 589 (continued): References to his health and thoughts about entering a hospital

February 1890 — Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France

  • Event: Still residing in the asylum
  • Health: Marked improvements, though anxiety and seizures persisted
  • Art: Painted under supervision — subjects included irises, cypresses, and mountains
  • Letters: Letters 630–633: Express artistic reflections and some hope

Van Gogh Timelines

January ~ February ~ March ~ April ~ May ~ June ~ July ~ August ~ September ~ October ~ November ~ December

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I'm an enthusiast who enjoys going down rabbit holes researching the details.
I like to illustrate events and letters using AI, bringing to life what we can only imagine.
Themed artwork and merch contribute to the "microdoses of aesthetics" that bring me joy.