Vincent Van Gogh is now a solid fixture in our cultural vocabulary.
I need only mention sunflowers or a bandaged ear to conjure up his life and legacy. Shunned during his lifetime, by the 20th century he had been declared one of the greatest painters to have lived. The publication of his complete illustrated letters in late 2009 thrust him back into vogue and this summer there have been novels, exhibitions, news stories and even a special episode of Dr. Who dedicated to the master painter.
The most substantial tribute was the BBC docudrama entitled Vincent Van Gogh: Painted with Words. Taking its inspiration directly from the letters, it merged biography, art history and drama to create a sympathetic portrait of a genius. Vincent, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, appeared to be overwhelmed by mental problems that both invigorated and hindered his artistic vision.
