Kiefer Van Gogh

Tracing the influence of the iconic Dutch artist on Kiefer's monumental paintings and sculptures

Ever since winning a travel grant as a 17-year-old to travel from the Netherlands through Belgium and Paris to Arles in Van Gogh's footsteps, the contemporary master painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer has been inspired by the Dutchman's art. Van Gogh has thus been a profound influence upon the subjects and techniques of Kiefer's monumental paintings and sculptures, which draw on history, mythology, literature, philosophy and science. Published to coincide with Kiefer's 80th birthday in 2025, this book celebrates the power and luminous intensity of both artists' work. It is the first volume to consider Van Gogh's lasting influence on Kiefer and features works by both artists, including new, previously unseen pieces by Kiefer.
The German artist Anselm Kiefer (born 1945) works with various artistic mediums, such as photography, artist's books, printmaking, painting, sculpture and installation.
Vincent van Gogh was born in the Netherlands in 1853. His painting career began when he was in his late twenties, influenced first by his work as a missionary in a mining region of Belgium, and later by his exposure to Impressionism while living in Paris. His bright signature style emerged after he moved to the South of France, where he produced over 2,000 artworks in just over a decade. After bouts of mental illness, the artist took his own life in 1890.