1822-1885: Theodorus Van Gogh (father)

Theodorus van Gogh was born on February 8, 1822 in Benschop (municipality of Lopik, province of Utrecht). His father's name was Vincent van Gogh (1789-1874) and was, among other things, pastor at the Grote Kerk of Breda and secretary at the Society of Prosperity, which, among other things, acquired land and farms for the settlement of Protestant families in Catholic North Brabant. Theodorus (call sign "Dorus," nicknamed "the beautiful minister") died on March 26, 1885, in Nuenen. The funeral takes place on March 30, Vincent's birthday.

In the many letters Vincent writes to his brother Theo (Photo), father Theodorus appears very often. He is a man of great stature. At first Vincent places him almost unreachably high on a pedestal. But the esteem later turns into bars deviating from his father's thinking and actions. The relationship ends in mutual alienation.

'Pa van Gogh' is buried in the old cemetery on the Tomakker in Nuenen. The grave is well preserved. You can visit it. The key is available at the Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen.