In this lecture, Andrew Shelton discusses how the key to Van Gogh’s artistic achievement laid in his incredible ability to empathize with and develop deep compassion for his fellow human beings. This aspect of Van Gogh’s talent is particularly clear from the artists who inspired him—artists who are often disparaged today for the emotionalism and even the sentimentality of their art. Dr. Shelton is professor of history of art and acting chair of the department of art at Ohio State University.
