VAN GOGH IN PARIS [To - the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sut,—The controversial method of presentation of the Paris van Gogh exhibition, which seems to have provoked more discussion than the paintings, is less of an innovation than is apparently realised by the disputants. I have seen no reference to the van Gogh exhibition held by The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in November, 1935. Yet the present show in Paris seems to follow very closely the technique of installation evolved in New York. There, I believe for the first time, excerpts from Vincent's letters accompanied the work to which they referred. There, also, the work of other artists (in- reproduction or photograph where the originals were not available) were hung beside the paintings they had inspired. Wherever possible the frames were of a uniform simplicity. The exhibition was arranged in chronological order so that van Gogh's astonishing development from r88o, when he first started to draw seriously, to ago, when he died,
as presented graphically and emphatically.
The New York exhibition evoked a remarkable response. Not often does one see in the street outside a Museum a queue impatiently awaiting admission ; and a majority of those who came once, came again. Does not this interest perhaps indicate that, instead of interfering with the enjoyment of the visitor, the scholarly arrangement and the presentation of collateral material added to his understanding ?
The emphasis of the quotations was not on "human interest" but on van Gogh's efforts to solve the aesthetic problems with which he was at that moment engaged.
It has been said that only by knowing exactly what an artist intended can one adequately judge his work. Such an oppor- nmity is rare. But to avail oneself of it is not compulsory. At The Museum of Modem Art, as in Paris, it was possible for the purists to disregard what presumably. -they . have no need to know and it does seem a trifle ungracious of them to complain because it is thoughtfully provided for the rest of us.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, 5 Peel Street, Camp-len Hill, W. 8. Eamstne CARTER. .
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