Van Gogh's female benefactor: Helene Kröller-Müller detailed account
In the small Dutch town of Otterlo, lies the Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller, a treasure trove of art history. The museum's origins trace back to Helene Kröller-Müller, a German-born art enthusiast who played a pivotal role in shaping Vincent van Gogh's public image.
Born in 1869 in Horst, Germany, Kröller-Müller's passion for art was ignited when she began taking art-appreciation classes with critic Henk Bremmer in 1905. Bremmer, an early van Gogh scholar, encouraged Kröller-Müller to invest in works by the Dutch master.
In 1908, Kröller-Müller made her first significant purchase, acquiring Edge of a wood, a work from van Gogh's Dutch years. This marked the beginning of her extensive collection, which would eventually become the cornerstone of the Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller.
Kröller-Müller's art collection grew exponentially, and in 1912, she made headlines when she won the bid for Vincent van Gogh's Bridge at Arles (Pont de Langlois) for 16,000 guilders, more than five times its estimate.
Kröller-Müller's husband, Anton Kröller, who managed his wife's father's business, supported her artistic endeavours. However, the family company faced financial problems in the early 1920s, which affected Kröller-Muelller's art purchases and museum project.
Despite the financial challenges, Kröller-Müller remained undeterred. In 1920, Henri van de Velde was appointed to design a grand new building at the Kröllers' country estate, De Hoge Veluwe. Construction started, disregarding economy, but was eventually halted due to the financial problems.
In 1928, Kröller-Müller sought to split a collection of 116 van Gogh drawings with an American museum due to the high price of 100,000 guilders. However, her husband, against her initial plans, decided to buy the entire collection.
Kröller-Müller's determination to share her collection with the public was evident. In 1922, she wrote a disconsolate letter about the museum project, comparing the site to an open grave. Despite her despair, she decided that, should she survive a major operation, her art collection would be open to the public.
Tragically, Kröller-Müller passed away in 1939, a year after the museum opened. Her coffin was laid out among her van Goghs, a poignant testament to her lifelong passion.
In 1935, the Kröller-Müllers donated their collection to the Dutch State, and in 1938, the Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller opened to the public. Today, the museum houses not only a vast collection of van Gogh's works but also pieces from artists ranging from Jean-François Millet to Piet Mondriaan.
The Kröller-Müller collection has continued to influence art and culture, with a selection of its neo-Impressionist paintings set to be displayed at the National Gallery in London from September 13, 2026, to February 8, 2026.
The story of Helene Kröller-Müller and the Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller is a testament to the power of passion and determination in shaping art history. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making her a truly significant figure in the world of art.
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