The reasons for confronting the works of two artists whose place in history is so different can be found at the heart of Van Gogh's most intimate legacy : his letters. These reveal his keen interest, which quickly grew into admiration, for this master of the Provencal school.

Few today are aware that Monticelli's paintings were one of Vincent's first artistic discoveries upon arriving in Paris and that they would play a key role in his decision to travel to Provence in search of the light of the Midi that the painter from Marseille rendered "in a full, orangey yellow full of sulphur", according to Van Gogh.

Throughout his personal correspondence Vincent Van Gogh reveals that he is the best critic of Monticelli's work, fully understanding his originality and vision. He demonstrates an incomparable understanding of his painting, his unbridled technique and its texture, a thick impasto with gleaming effects of colour buried in the matter of paint itself.
Beyond this understanding, his letters also reveal a form of empathy. Vincent Van Gogh identified with the legend that rapidly grew around Monticelli after his death as a misunderstood artist.

Van Gogh recognised in the work of the artist, known for his numerous paintings of "fêtes galantes", the originality expressed in his treatment of familiar subjects: landscapes, flower arrangements, still lifes and portraits.