The letters from "Vincent Van Gogh: Letters to My Sister" by Willem-Jan Verlinden will be previewed at the Mantua Festivaletteratura.

The Dutch artist confesses in an unpublished collection of letters, never translated into Italian, published by Donzelli

"Dear sister, I need a little courage, and that's often lacking... It's only when I'm in front of my easel, painting, that I feel a little life." One of the world's greatest painters, Van Gogh, candidly confesses this in the collection—translated into Italian for the first time—titled after him, "Letters to My Sister," by Willem-Jan Verlinden. The volume, published by Donzelli, will have its world premiere at the Festivaletteratura in Mantua, Friday, September 6, at 12:15 pm at the Teatro Bibiena. Art historian Willem-Jan Verlinden will be in conversation with writer Melania Mazzucco.

It is the most intimate and unpublished van Gogh that—confiding in the intimacy of his writing—touches our hearts and moves us. These are intense and affectionate, even surprising, letters that Vincent van Gogh wrote to his younger sister Wil. This unpublished collection of letters, never before collected in a book, reveals a new and personal side of the great Dutch artist: a caring, ironic, vulnerable brother. A man who speaks of art, literature, and feelings.

After "The Van Gogh Sisters," scholar Willem-Jan Verlinden returns to explore Vincent's world through a profound, familiar dialogue, crafted through words and images. The volume is enriched by 25 autographed letters, an introductory essay, and a selection of original sketches and drawings. "Vincent van Gogh. Letters to My Sister" will be available in bookstores starting August 29th.