24/03/2026
Van Gogh only sold one work? Well…
This painting, ‘The Red Vineyard’, did sell for ‘real money’: 400 francs (around $ 2,000 today) to Belgian painter and collector Anna Boch, the sister of Vincent’s artist friend Eugène Boch.
But Vincent didn’t only rely on sales. He also traded paintings, drawings and prints for things he needed (like painting materials), or for other people’s artworks. Not a ‘sale’ in the strict sense – but definitely a real form of value and exchange.
In a letter to Theo, he admitted he felt a little embarrassed that he hadn’t offered ‘mates’ rates’. If only he knew what his work would be worth one day.
🖼️ © Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts