Zundert, Breda

Vincent van Gogh was born in Zundert on 30 March 1853. His father Theodorus was a Protestant preacher, which was quite exceptional in predominantly Catholic Brabant. Vincent was the oldest child in the family that consisted of three sisters and two brothers: Anna, Wil, Lies Theo and Cor. His parents had given birth to a stillborn child a year before his birth, whom they also named Vincent. His grave can be seen nearby, near the little Protestant church.

As a child, Vincent was introverted. He was a taciturn, somewhat introverted boy. But someone who could sometimes be a bit moody and had a mind of his own. He particularly stood out because of his reddish curls. The family often went for walks around Zundert. At the time, more than half of the municipality consisted of wasteland with forest here and there. These walks can be seen as the beginning of a lifelong fascination with nature.

The young Van Gogh had an erratic school career. When he turned eight, he entered the village school. For reasons that are unclear, Vincent was withdrawn from it a year later. After this, he was home-schooled. At the age of 13, Vincent was enrolled at a boarding school in Zevenbergen. After two years, he was admitted to the Royal HBS Willem II in Tilburg. Van Gogh was good at language at school, but did not reveal his above-average artistic talent.

Get on your bike and discover the area where Vincent Van Gogh grew up.