Van Gogh in

Uncle Cor’s shop

Vincent’s uncle Cornelis Marinus “Cor” van Gogh (often called C.M. in Vincent’s letters; 1824–1908) sold books and art on the Keizersgracht (his place of business had previously been located at Leidsestraat 38). Vincent often visited his uncle’s shop with all sorts of artworks, magazines and books that interested him. In March 1878, Uncle Cor redecorated the shop, and Vincent commented positively on the changes in a letter to his brother Theo. Uncle Cor played an important role in Vincent’s life, not only during the time that Vincent lived in Amsterdam but also before and after that. In 1881, for instance, Uncle Cor was the first person to commission drawings from Vincent; he asked for a series of views of The Hague.