Vincent’s Journey: A Graphic Biography of Van Gogh’s Life and Art
How Simon Elliott’s Illustrations Illuminate the Tragedy and Genius of Vincent van Gogh

Vincent: A Graphic Biography by Simon Elliott presents a unique visual journey through the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, capturing the essence of the artist’s troubled yet passionate existence. Through striking illustrations and compelling narrative, Elliott’s biography delves into Van Gogh's tumultuous journey from a misunderstood artist to one of the most revered painters in history.

Vincent van Gogh, born in 1853 in the Netherlands, grew up in a strict, religious household. Although initially surrounded by a conventional upbringing, Van Gogh’s life would be anything but ordinary. He is now celebrated for his emotionally charged paintings and bold color techniques, but during his life, he struggled with mental health issues, financial instability, and a lack of recognition. Works like Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Potato Eaters showcase his unique style, marked by vibrant colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and intense emotion, yet his artistry remained largely unappreciated until after his death.


The graphic biography starts by establishing Vincent’s relationship with his younger brother, Theo. Elliott emphasizes this bond throughout the book, showing Theo not only as a financial supporter but also as Vincent’s emotional anchor. The brotherhood between them is depicted with sincerity, and through Theo’s letters and involvement in Vincent’s life, the reader gains an intimate look at the personal challenges that shaped Van Gogh's art.

One of the most powerful aspects of Vincent: A Graphic Biography is how it captures the spirit of Van Gogh's artistic philosophy. Despite his chaotic life, Van Gogh was committed to creating art that spoke to the working class and those often overlooked in society. The biography explores his humble approach to art, as seen in his early works like The Potato Eaters, where he portrays the somber reality of peasant life. Elliott’s depiction of these paintings visually emphasizes the emotional depth that Van Gogh infused into his art, bridging a connection between the artist’s intention and the viewer’s understanding.

As Van Gogh moves through various cities, including Paris, Antwerp, and Arles, Elliott uses different color schemes and styles to reflect each phase of his artistic evolution. The Paris section, for example, highlights the influence of Impressionism on Van Gogh, as he experiments with lighter colors and looser brushstrokes after meeting artists like Monet and Pissarro. Elliott’s illustrations here are bright and vibrant, mirroring Van Gogh’s exploration of color theory and the lighter subjects he began to embrace. In contrast, the later sections in Arles use a warmer palette to showcase his fascination with the landscape and light in southern France, where he painted many of his iconic works.


A particularly poignant segment of the biography covers Van Gogh’s time in the “Yellow House” in Arles, where he hoped to establish an artists’ community. Elliott thoughtfully depicts Van Gogh’s idealistic vision of the Yellow House as a sanctuary of creativity, but this hope collapses with the arrival of Paul Gauguin. The story does not shy away from the tensions between the two artists, culminating in the infamous incident where Van Gogh cuts off his ear following a heated argument. Elliott’s portrayal of this event is neither sensationalized nor overly graphic, instead using subtle shading and framing to convey the gravity of Van Gogh’s deteriorating mental state.

The biography also focuses on the role of mental illness in Van Gogh’s life. Elliott sensitively explores how his psychological struggles influenced his art, depicting moments of despair interspersed with bursts of creativity. Van Gogh’s stay in the asylum at Saint-Rémy, where he created The Starry Night, is shown as a period of intense introspection and artistic output, despite his ongoing struggles with mental health. This part of the biography poignantly illustrates how his inner turmoil and bouts of hallucinations were channeled into his work, which only added to the raw emotional power of his paintings.


The narrative reaches its peak with Van Gogh’s return to the countryside in Auvers-sur-Oise, under the care of Dr. Gachet, a physician and art enthusiast. Here, Elliott captures the mixed sense of hope and resignation that marked Van Gogh’s final months. Although he created more than 80 paintings in just a few months, he was haunted by a sense of failure and hopelessness. His tragic death in 1890 is depicted with a sense of solemnity, reflecting Elliott’s respectful approach to Van Gogh’s life story.

Finally, Vincent: A Graphic Biography concludes by recognizing the impact of Jo van Gogh-Bonger, Theo’s widow, who tirelessly promoted Vincent’s work after his death. Without her dedication, much of Van Gogh’s art might have remained hidden from the world. Elliott’s narrative acknowledges her role, allowing readers to appreciate the enduring legacy that Van Gogh left behind.


In summary, Vincent: A Graphic Biography is an immersive and respectful tribute to one of the world’s most influential artists. Through thoughtful illustrations and a well-researched narrative, Simon Elliott captures both the triumphs and tragedies of Vincent van Gogh’s life, offering readers a deeper understanding of the man behind the masterpieces. The book is not only a compelling read for art enthusiasts but also an accessible introduction to Van Gogh’s life for those less familiar with his work. In blending art and storytelling, Elliott offers a portrait of Van Gogh that is as layered and expressive as the artist’s own iconic paintings.

Vincent: A Graphic Biography is a fascinating and beautiful graphic book.

It focuses on Vincent Van Gogh's tragic life with interesting narration but the real treat are the illustrations, in the style of the great man himself. A wonderful read.

Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.

Vincent: A Graphic Biography by Simon Elliott is a stunningly crafted exploration of Vincent van Gogh’s life, offering a fresh and deeply personal perspective on the artist we think we know. Through the lens of Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, Vincent’s sister-in-law, this graphic novel transcends the often-romanticized narrative of his life and instead provides an honest and multidimensional portrayal of the man behind the art.

What makes this book particularly brilliant is its ability to balance the iconic aspects of Vincent’s story with lesser-known details about his life. From his early struggles in various careers to the fact that he came from a family of means—details often overshadowed by the mythos of the “tortured, starving artist”—this book does an excellent job of painting a fuller picture. It’s a reminder that Vincent was a complex individual with both privilege and hardship, and it underscores how Johanna’s dedication played a pivotal role in preserving his legacy.

The graphic novel format works beautifully here, with art that captures the emotional intensity and vibrancy of Vincent’s world. The visuals feel as alive as his paintings, making this biography not only informative but also visually captivating. It’s the perfect way to engage readers of all ages, whether they’re seasoned art history buffs or newcomers discovering Vincent for the first time.

This book is a fantastic gift for anyone with an interest in art history, young or old. It’s accessible without losing its depth, making it a wonderful introduction to Vincent’s life while also offering something new for those who’ve read about him before. The combination of Simon Elliott’s storytelling and the graphic novel format makes Vincent: A Graphic Biography a brilliant and beautiful tribute to one of the most influential artists of all time.

Thank you for the ARC! I loved the story being told from the POV of his sister in law and he focus on the relationship between Vincent and his brother, Theo. This book did a great job highlighting VVG's struggle with mental health and the impact it had on his art and relationships. The drawings were vivid and brought you into the book.

I wish it was a little more robust. I thought the end of the book about the sister in law's life after their deaths was interesting and I wish there were drawings to accompany it so it was as impactful as the other parts of the book..

This was a great graphic novel. It shows the rough early years of this man, and the challenges they faced. There were many failures in those days, but they refused to let it stop them. Over the years paintings were created that to this day people love to see in museums. As this graphic novel comes to a close the life of this influential painter comes to a tragic end.

Great book about Van Gogh with excellent illustrations. My only gripe is that I expected a graphic novel will the characters speaking, instead it is a book with illustrations. This doesn’t detract from the book. It is still beautifully illustrated.

It was a fascinating read. The content was well-organized and flowed. The pictures were useful in telling Vincent's story visually. As A Van Gogh's admirer, I was engrossed by this graphic novel, I would recommend to anyone who is a fan or to parents that want their children to read!

I usually love graphic novels, and I usually love biographies, but I wasn't enamored with this one. The bio didn't seem to go that deep, and while the premise was supposed to be of his sister-in-law telling his story, it still read like a high schooler's report. The illustration style wasn't to my preference, as I found it unrefined, and I would have preferred seeing Vincent's own works included rather than cartoon facsimiles that pale in comparison to the real deal. Lastly, the text didn't always match with the pictures - some two page spreads had numerous pictures depicting the same concept while the text continued on to other topics not shown - and sometimes there was more depicted in the pictures than in the text leaving me confused as to what really happened in those situations (like, wtf actually went on with Eugenie??) In the end, the pictures dropped off almost entirely leaving entire pages of text that I found overwhelming after the earlier format that broke up the text into manageable chunks.

This book is a fantastic resource for fans of the artists and art history. It is a really unique format for a book about an artist and it makes it an accessible read for so many. I really enjoyed learning about some of Van Gogh's life and struggles. What an interesting man he was! I highly recommend this one to anyone wanting to learn more about the artist.

I really liked reading more about Vincent van Gogh. As a fellow Dutchie I obviously know of van Gogh's existence and paintings, but except for the most well-known facts of the painter, I didn't know much about him. This graphic biography gives a wonderful insight in his life, struggles, artwork and much more. I was surprised by some things I read and feel like I can much better understand his art, actions and reasonings now. Unfortunately Vincent van Goghs life ended early and his struggles got the best of him. But how wonderful and loving is it that his sister in law has put so much effort in making sure he received the appreciation she and Vincents brother, Theo, always thought he deserved. I feel so sorry for Theo's wife though, losing Vincent and so shortly after Theo too. What a remarkable woman for putting up with so much sorrow and still going strong.

I'd definitely recommend everyone reading this biography. It is easy to read and even if you're not into art or whatever, it is written in such a way you will be gripped by the story of this marvellous painter.

I loved this graphic biography! I’m a big Van Gogh fan and I believe it told his tragic life beautifully. I loved the art style. It gives an interesting perspective as it is told from someone in his family his sister in law. Recommended for those who want to learn more in an easy to digest story.

It’s not every day I pick up and willingly read a biography, but I figured I’d give this one a shot since van Gogh happens to be one of my favorite artists. (I was obsessed with his The Starry Night painting as a kid.)
I am ever so glad I did pick this one up, because if I hadn’t, I never would have known about Jo, the woman who made Vincent famous. Honestly, she deserves all the praise for sticking up for her brother-in-law, and championing after his and her husband’s deaths. I’m sure it wasn’t easy.
I did know a little about van Gogh before reading this biography (like the infamous moment of him cutting off his ear and eating oil paints) but it was nice being able to see the why behind his paintings and his actions. Art books were always so dry and boring when I had to read them for school, but this one was engaging enough that even little uninterested teenage me would have devoured it. The illustrations in van Gogh’s style and writing the book as if from Jo’s perspective really helped bring the story of this tragic painter to life.
It really makes me wonder about him and want to know more. Like, if anyone has any theories on why he would suddenly faint. It mentioned that a doctor had diagnosed him with epilepsy, so was this the cause? The book never really made that clear. But it was obvious that Vincent was chronically depressed from childhood and had very sensitive feelings (maybe autism?). I never knew that he had only painted for a decade before passing. Or that he wanted to be a preacher. There are so many more interesting facts about him presented in this book, and it’s definitely worth the read.
Overall, Vincent: A Graphic Biography, is a wonderfully clever book and an easy read for those less inclined toward non=fiction. It’s insightful and empathetic, and a perfect read for those curious about the arts and Vincent van Gogh.
NOTE; I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was AWESOME and I’m afraid that’s still an understatement.
An enigma of an artist, his life story in the format of a graphic novel – this is absolute perfection.

This was so fun!

A great way to tell the story of the brilliant Van Gogh.

Love all of the art, and would definitely recommend to a friend

Honest review in exchange of an e-arc from netgalley.

I asked to review this book as Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite painter, and I love to learn more on his history. I thought this was a fantastic way for people who are not necessarily big fans of non-fiction, or reading in general, to learn more about one of the worlds most famous painters! Being a graphic novel-style book, it was quick to get through, but found there was just the right balance of illustrations and text. It felt like there was enough text to get context, information and the emotional backstory etc of Vincent and his life across, but not so it's overwhelming. I loved the creativity of this book and will definitely be getting a physical copy to read again!

I didn't enjoy reading this book mostly because of Vincent's character. Man, that guy was a lot. Of course it's a biography, so it's not the book's fault that he behaved the way he behaved, but the way his behaviour was framed doesn't sit right with me at all. All his wrongdoings are brushed off with "oh, but he's a ✨tortured genius✨". The book is written in first person from the point of view of Vincent's sister-in-law. Her dedication to making sure Vincent's paintings are appreciated is admirable, but I'm really curious if she actually held his private life with such high regard, or is it the author's imagination. Vincent seems like a pain in the ass to deal with and the book fails to fully acknowledge it. It's extremally biased to paint him in a positive light and while it's probable that his sister-in-law was biased, I feel that something that has the word "biography" in its name should be more objective.

Another aspect that I did not like was the artstyle. The cover looks nice and it's a shame most of the illustrations inside don't look nearly as good. The artstyle is very simple and, no offense, it looks like a work of a teenager who is still learning to make digital art. Still, there are some things that I really appreciate about it: 1) character designs were distinct enough to differentiate the characters without difficulty; 2) emotions were portrayed in an expressive way and it was clear to see what the characters were feeling. (One image that particularly striked me was Vincent shouting at page 108.... man that was scary)

But overall, despite the fact that some things were not to my liking, the book was very informative and quick to read. I learned a lot about Vincent van Gogh's life in a short time, so the book served its purpose and for that it deserves two stars. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!
Vincent Van Gogh's life is depicted from his sister-in-law's perspective in this book. His entire life from birth to death, his love affair and career, his mental health and family in pictures.
I was not convinced by the choice of narrator. Although it seems promising, it seems to me that the artist's life is shown in a less than objective way, going so far as to praise him too much (mind you, I'm not saying that he isn't a great artist, but none of us have a perfect life in which we haven't made mistakes).
Another aspect that is not clear to me is the audience that the work is aimed at. I thought it would be middle-grade or young-adult, but it mentions topics that don't fit me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great little book on Vincent van Gogh. It is very detailed containing pieces of his life such as changing careers and failed love interests that are often not considered when we think of van Gogh, instead favouring his art and mental health. The illustrations were really well done and at times helped to bring levity to the story which isn’t often the happiest of lives.

This is a visually captivating exploration of Vincent van Gogh's life. This graphic novel dives into the hectic journey of his life all the while blending his artistic capabilities with the struggles he experienced throughout his life. This graphic novel did a great job of conveying complex emotions through its illustrations that mirrored van Gogh's own style. I love that it does not shy away from showcasing the uglier bits of his life such as his battles with mental illness, and how he struggled with isolation or poverty. Having this biography in graphic novel form is fantastic for people who find them daunting and can be especially helpful for younger readers. Getting to know his life's story allows one to view his artwork with new lens and see them differently than before.

As an artist, I absolutely adored this book! I loved learning about Van Gogh throughout highschool and to be able to revisit that and learn about him even more, was amazing!
I can definitely see how this book will be incredibly helpful for younger artists who inspire to learn more about such a world famous artist. The way the story was planned and displayed via both text and pictures is incredible!