When hearing the surname Van Gogh, most people automatically think Vincent, or even Theo, but not many people know the unsung hero that is Jo Van Gogh-Bonger. Jo was married to Vincent's beloved brother, Theo Van Gogh. "There was one man on earth who understood Vincent, who encouraged him in his work, provided him with the supplies and the money necessary to continue his painting, who had an inexhaustible fund of love which, above all things, Vincent so desperately needed: His brother Theo" (Stone, viii). However, without Jo, Van Gogh's work may never have been preserved or recognized. Because Theo died shortly after Van Gogh, Jo received all of Van Gogh's artwork and even his letters. "...She spent years of her life fighting for a place for Vincent's painting, and arranging, editing, and translating Vincent's writings to Theo" (Stone, viii). We truly have Jo Van Gogh-Bonger to thank for her recognition of Vincent Van Gogh's brilliance and her courage to fight for him even after his death. 

The following is an interview with Mrs. Jo Van Gogh Bonger:

Hello Mrs. Jo Van Gogh Bonger, so good to have you here. Can you explain to us your relation to Vincent?

Well, I only came into Vincent's life when I married my late husband Theo. While I did deeply care for Vincent, I was never as close as he was to my husband. The two were almost as one soul, sharing their deepest thoughts and dreams. I desired to be like a sister to Vincent, hoping that I would not be distant like many of his family toward him. He meant so much to Theo, and our hearts were one, so in turn Vincent meant so much to me. My brother in law, though troubled, was incredibly brilliant and I feel very blessed to have been a small part of his life. 

You say Vincent was troubled. Do you know what he suffered from?

What I've collected from Theo and Vincent's correspondence, in which they frequently talked about Vincent's appointments with his doctor, and my general understanding at the time of his suffering, I know that he was a very sad man at times. He would go through bouts of utter sorrow where he felt his life pointless and meaningless. However, he often would spring right back up, speaking of the beauty of life not too long after. I also know that he suffered from fits of uncontrollable rage. This kept Theo up many a night, due to us not knowing when these fits would hit and how safe Vincent would be during them. Vincent himself didn't feel safe around his own mind during these times, and it was very trying on our hearts to see him suffer so. He wrote to Theo frequently lamenting his accursed mind, saying that if he could only be free of his suffering, he would have worked so much better. To this day, I don't know if I believe him. Because I knew him personally, I saw the times in which he suffered were the times in which he created the most. Sometimes I believe his beautiful artwork came from that space of pain. I should also mention that his epilepsy also worried us greatly, but a physician was treating him for that.

So you mentioned that you believe his pieces were correlated to his suffering. Did you see this in his individual paintings?

It could be so. He would write to Theo about his particular paintings. For example, he wrote to him during his period of time when he was kicked out of his inn for his rage. He ended up staying a few nights at a café where a lot of the homeless folk stayed to drink late into the night. His painting from that experience definitely gives you the feeling that he was enraged. The use of the red paint is very unsettling. Another example is his painting, Starry Night. Did you know he thought that painting to be a total failure? He didn't even mean to send it to Theo. I'm so thankful he did. It's turning out to be his most popular. He created that piece in his last years, when he had admitted himself to the asylum. It evokes such sadness, especially because he poured so much of his sorrow into the piece. 

You spoke before about Theo and Vincent being two halves of one soul. Could you speak more to his relationship with your husband Theo?

Oh, the two were so very close. I got to experience that first hand during their lives, but when I lost Theo, I received all their letters of correspondence. It is like having those years back. I often read through the letters and cry for the loss of my dear family. Vincent and Theo were the best of friends. The majority of Vincent's siblings were not very fond of him and made a point to be absent in his life, but Theo made a point to be present. He supported Vincent financially in some ways, but in many ways he was Vincent's emotional support and source of confidence. Theo was constantly suggesting ideas to Vincent whether it be artistic suggestions or even just connecting him with the proper medical professionals to help his troubles. I think Vincent needed someone to talk to, and Theo was such a good listener. They were just the perfect pair of brothers, made for each other’s comfort.

You have worked tirelessly to bring recognition to Vincent's artwork. Was this artwork successful while Vincent was still alive?

Rather unfortunately, no. It broke all of our hearts to watch him work tirelessly and have people criticize his creative expression. Knowing that he poured his heart into every piece and was willing to bear his soul in front of critics only to have them call his work rubbish... it mustn't have been easy on his frail soul. And yet it didn't stop him. Even though he thought himself a poor artist, it didn't stop him. Doesn't that just show you just how humble he was? He didn't do this for the recognition or the fame. He painted because he had to, because his heart needed it. He painted because it was a way for his pain to flow from his heart through his fingers onto the page for him to rationalize and realize. And that's why he's such a beautiful artist. No one knew his sorrow, only the physical representation of it. And yet it unifies people in a way I can't explain. I wish he could see how people are now understanding and loving his work. I hope that in years to come it only receives more and more recognition. It deserves it... he deserves it; rest his soul.  

What are the last memories you have of Vincent?

As I have told you earlier, he admitted himself to an asylum in 1889. He did not feel safe with himself and wanted to be monitored. We were ever so proud of him at the time, because he was being so responsible with himself. You wouldn't even believe the amount of artwork he created during this time. He appreciated the peaceful aspect of the asylum. It gave him time alone to focus on his creative endeavors. He was incredibly depressed and yet still had his optimism about him. When he left, he seemed to be doing so well. Theo had his doubts; he somehow knew Vincent wasn't as well as he was saying over the letters. He was living at an inn with a nice family at the time. They say he had a routine every day, and that he seemed and looked well. But then Theo was summoned one night with the most tragic of news. Vincent had tried to shoot himself with the intention to die, and it failed to kill him on impact. Theo, of course, was distraught. He went to Vincent to be with him, but we knew there was little to no hope he would survive the wound. Vincent died in his arms. And not a year later my dear Theo moved on as well. As anyone can imagine, it was incredibly difficult to lose them both. It was a tragedy deeper than any I had ever experienced. And yet, I'm sure they are in heaven taking care of one another as they did here on earth. I have my beloved son, my gift from God, to keep Theo close to me. And I have Vincent's paintings, which encompass his very soul. In a way, I'm still holding on to them both. And I will for as long as I live.