The critic Albert Aurier publishes a favorable…

The critic Albert Aurier publishes a favorable review of Vincent van Gogh's paintings in January 1890 in which he links the artist to the Symbolists, who have begun to attract critical attention for their antirealist artworks.

Van Gogh is moved by Aurier's article but denies his significance as an artist in a letter to the writer: "For the role attaching to me, or that will be attached to me, will remain, I assure you, of very secondary importance."

As in the previous year, van Gogh exhibits recent work—ten canvases—at the Salon des Indépendants.

Friends in Paris assure him of their success.

"Many artists think your work has been the most striking at the exhibition," writes Paul Gauguin.

Theo van Gogh's son, Vincent Willem, is born in January 1890.