This lush volume accompanies an important exhibition opening in February 2003 at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Vincent van Gogh. It brings together the paintings that inspired him--by such masters as Rembrandt and Rubens, Corot and Courbet, Monet and Gauguin--with dozens of his own works, creating an "imaginary museum" that reveals a fascinating dialogue between the artist and his art-historical predecessors. The book begins with lavishly illustrated essays by renowned Van Gogh specialists that focus on a range of subjects, from his aesthetic philosophy to his everyday working methods. Then follows the "imaginary museum" itself--170 reproductions of works by Van Gogh and those who influenced him, most accompanied by fascinating related excerpts from the artist's correspondence. Van Gogh is one of the most popular of artists. This book offers a new look at his work--from the artist's own point of view.