Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

Why are the paintings of Vincent van Gogh so universally popular? And how close did Vincent come to being a preacher instead of an artist? Join Alastair and James in the first of four episodes charting the life and work of the man who has come to define our idea of the struggling, tortured artist - Vincent van Gogh.

If you want to see the artworks discussed in this episode you can switch on video in your podcast app at any time.

Artworks in this episode:
Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889, The Courtauld Gallery, London
Vincent van Gogh, Pollard Birches, 1884, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Vincent van Gogh, The Potato Eaters, 1885, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Thanks to Thames & Hudson for Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters, 2022

For more great art content visit heni.com or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: youtube.com/@HENITalks

Hosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James Fox
Additional Research: Catherine Ingram
Producer and Editor: Ben Harding
Executive Producer: Emma Cahusac

00:00:00 Introduction: Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear
00:10:54 Early Life in Zundert
00:15:51 Boarding School Trauma
00:19:08 Art Dealer at Goupil and Company
00:25:36 London Years
00:33:19 Dismissal and Teaching
00:38:36 The Borinage: Rock Bottom
00:42:57 Becoming an Artist
00:47:08 Romantic Disasters
00:52:41 The Pollard Birches: First Great Drawing
00:56:33 Return Home and Father's Death
01:00:32 The Potato Eaters