Hidden Images in Van Gogh's Art
The following is just a small selection of the multitude of Vincent’s paintings which display Hidden Images and Writing. It will familiarize the viewer with the creative genius which dominated Van Gogh’s life.
Vincent was driven by intense passion due to his religious training. He grew up with a Calvinist Minister as his father and had ambitions to become a Minister himself.
In 1876 Vincent was hired to teach religion as a lay preacher at a school in Ramsgate, and then in Isleworth, both towns located in England . He was conversant in the English language as he lived previously in England in the capacity of an Art Dealer employed for “Goupil”.
In spring 1877, Vincent went to stay with his Uncle Johan in Amsterdam , where he prepared for theology studies by tackling Latin and Greek. His restlessness caused him to break up his studies early. Thereafter he taught religion at the Borinage an impoverished Belgian mining district.
Vincent Van Gogh was well known as a religious zealot and his paintings suggest clear evidence that good and evil were his constant companions.
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This is one of several versions (6, below) of the postman Roulin made by Van Gogh, but it shows nicely the hidden images in his works. This is the biblical depiction of the King (Christ) entering Jerusalem on a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9 / Matthew 21:5)