Breda: Vincent’s rich godfather, the art dealer Vincent van Gogh, who for health reasons had returned from his busy commercial life in Paris, lived in this villa. ‘Uncle Cent’ had an impressive collection of paintings which must have made a great impression on the young Vincent and Theo. He was also involved in the appointment of Vincent and Theo to Goupil &Cie, the art dealers. Vincent received his first box of water colours from him as a present when he decided to devote his life to art. Even so, Vincent did not stay on good terms with his uncle. This was partly due to their totally differing ideas about good taste in art, but also certainly due to Vincent’s unacceptable behaviour.
