12 September 2025-25 Januari 2026

Captivated by Vincent – Jo van Gogh-Bonger and Isaac Israëls

The Van Gogh Museum presents Captivated by Vincent. One hundred years after the death of Jo van Gogh-Bonger (1862–1925), Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law and guardian of his legacy, a special exhibition celebrates the unique relationship between her and artist Isaac Israëls. Alongside the exhibition, the digital edition of Israëls’ letters to Jo van Gogh-Bonger is being launched, edited by Hans Luijten in collaboration with the Huygens Institute. The online correspondence is available at israelsletters.org.

The online correspondence is easy to browse and includes images of artworks and photos mentioned in the letters. Israëls writes openly about art, music, love, and friendship. His letters reveal a close bond with Jo van Gogh-Bonger and a strong admiration for Vincent’s work.

Previously, the Huygens Institute collaborated with the Van Gogh Museum on the digital edition of Vincent van Gogh’s correspondence.

The presentation is on display on the second floor of the Rietveld Building and is accessible with a regular museum ticket.

Portrait of Jo van Gogh-Bonger by Isaac Israëls (1924). Collection Van Gogh Museum.