Vincent Willem van Gogh (art collector)

Vincent Willem van Gogh
Born	(1890-01-31)31 January 1890 Paris, France
Died	28 January 1978(1978-01-28) (aged 87) Laren, North Holland, Netherlands
Nationality	Dutch
Education	Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology
Occupation(s)	Engineer, management consultant, art collector, philanthropist
Known for	Founding the Van Gogh Museum
Spouse	Josina Wibaut (m. 1915)
Children	4
Parent(s)	Theo van Gogh, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger
Relatives	Vincent van Gogh (uncle)

Vincent Willem van Gogh (31 January 1890 – 28 January 1978) was a Dutch engineer, management consultant, art collector, and philanthropist, best known as the nephew of the renowned Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. He played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting his uncle’s legacy by founding the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s artworks.

Early life

Vincent Willem van Gogh was born on 31 January 1890 in Paris, France, to Theodorus "Theo" van Gogh, an art dealer, and Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. Named after his uncle, he was the only child of Theo and Johanna. His father died six months after his birth, and his mother became the custodian of Vincent van Gogh’s extensive collection of paintings, drawings, and letters. Growing up surrounded by his uncle’s artworks, Vincent Willem developed an early appreciation for art, though he initially pursued a career in engineering.

He studied mechanical engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, graduating in 1914. His early career took him to France, the United States, and Japan, where he worked as an engineer before returning to the Netherlands in 1920.

Career

Engineering and management consultancy

After completing his education, van Gogh worked as a mechanical engineer in various international firms. In the 1920s, he co-founded a management consultancy firm with his friend Ernst Hijmans, one of the first of its kind in the Netherlands. His professional expertise in engineering and management provided financial stability, allowing him to focus on his family’s artistic legacy later in life.

Art collection and legacy preservation

Following the death of his mother, in 1925, van Gogh inherited the vast collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, which included approximately 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and hundreds of letters. Johanna had tirelessly promoted the artist’s work, laying the foundation for his posthumous fame. van Gogh took on the responsibility of continuing her efforts, managing the collection with care and ensuring its accessibility to the public.

Recognizing the cultural significance of his uncle’s oeuvre, Vincent Willem sought to establish a permanent home for the collection. In 1962, he founded the Vincent van Gogh Foundation to safeguard the artworks and letters. He negotiated with the Dutch government and the municipality of Amsterdam to create a dedicated museum. The Rijksmuseum Vincent van Gogh, now known as the Van Gogh Museum, opened its doors on 2 June 1973 on Amsterdam’s Museumplein. Vincent Willem personally oversaw many aspects of the museum’s establishment and remained actively involved until his death.

Personal life

van Gogh married Josina Wibaut in 1915, and the couple had four children. His family lived modestly, despite the growing value of the art collection. His home in Laren, Netherlands, was famously decorated with masterpieces like Sunflowers and Almond Blossom, which hung casually in the living room.

He maintained a low profile, avoiding personal association with the fame of his uncle’s name. In interviews, he expressed pride in his family’s role in preserving Vincent’s work, crediting his mother’s foresight and his father’s support for the artist’s enduring recognition.

Death

Vincent Willem van Gogh died on 28 January 1978 in Laren, Netherlands, at the age of 87. His death came just five years after the opening of the Van Gogh Museum.