The artist Isaac Israëls (1865–1934) often included iconic works by Vincent van Gogh in the background of his paintings. Vincent’s sister-in-law, Jo van Gogh-Bonger (1862–1925), lent him a number of these works specifically for this purpose. This exhibition explores the special relationship between Isaac and Jo through his paintings and letters.
Between 1895 and 1897, Israëls and Van Gogh-Bonger shared an intimate relationship, which later evolved into a lasting friendship.
Isaac Israëls was deeply inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s work, and incorporated iconic pieces such as Sunflowers, The Bedroom and The Yellow House (The Street) into at least seventeen of his own paintings. For these works, Jo lent him several highlights from her brother-in-law’s estate.
Isaac coined the apt verb ‘Vincenting’ to describe making these specific paintings: ‘I’m still very busy Vincenting,’ he happily wrote to her.
The exhibition Isaac Israëls. Captivated by Van Gogh presents ten of Israëls’ paintings featuring well-known works by Van Gogh in the background, alongside portraits of Jo van Gogh-Bonger and her son Vincent (Vincent van Gogh’s nephew).
The presentation also includes a selection of more than 100 letters written by Isaac to Jo. These letters are filled with humour, longing, and reflections on art, love and friendship, offering a rare insight into their personal world.
A digital edition of these letters has been published, edited by Hans Luijten, Senior Researcher at the Van Gogh Museum and a leading expert on the Van Gogh family’s correspondence
This exhibition is on view at the Van Gogh Museum until 25 January 2026. It will subsequently be on view at The Mesdag Collection from 20 February to 7 June 2026.
Isaac Israëls, Woman Standing in Front of Van Gogh's Sunflowers, 1915-1920, oil on canvas, 70.5 cm x 50.5 cm, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
Jo was married to Theo van Gogh (1857–1891), the brother of Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). Following the sudden deaths of both brothers, she was left a young widow, caring for her son Vincent and safeguarding her brother-in-law’s legacy. Jo devoted her life to bringing Vincent van Gogh’s art and letters to international attention.
Isaac Israëls, Portrait of Vincent Willem van Gogh, 1894, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
Isaac Israëls, Prof. dr. mr. Isaac Bennie Cohen and his wife Jacqueline Wilhelmine Longépée, 1915-1916. oil on canvas, 94 × 114 cm, private collection
Isaac Israëls, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, 1895, 15,1 x 12 cm. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)