'I have a certain faith in art, a certain trust that it's a powerful current that drives a person - although he has to cooperate - to a haven ...'

To Theo van Gogh, Sunday, 11 March 1883, The Hague

Vincent van Gogh's steadfast passion for his work gave us a glorious body of paintings and sketches that demonstrate both his growth and his greatness. But his letters show something equally unique, a man who - despite considerable struggle - believed in the essential goodness of humankind.

The quotes and images in this book, extracted from the Van Gogh Museum collection, illustrate beautifully Van Gogh's artistic development, and his search for a deeper sense of belonging and fulfillment in life.

'But you must love with a high, serious intimate sympathy, with a will, with intelligence, and you must always seek to know more thoroughly, better, and more.'

To Theo van Gogh, between about Tuesday, 22 and Thursday, 24 June 1880, Cuesmes