What did Van Gogh Smoke?

[DrT999]

I had opined earlier that, being Dutch, Vincent could have frequented different seaport towns and maybe gotten his hands on some inexpensive "navy rolls" of tobak or flakes. Who knows what kinds of leaf were available and could be had for low prices on the docks for those shipping out and in a hurry.  It conjures up some pleasing scenes in my empty head.

You're certainly right about such rolls and ropes being easily available in the ports, but I don't know about inland. No 19th century art historians on board? If he stuck with a particular type (or brand) surely some biography might have mentioned it!

 

[Anonymous]

his brother theo sent him tobacco often, I forget where theo lived though, Paris I'd assume?

Not sure, bud...But I think he was also in France.

 

[LuntingHeathen]

I know this is an old thread but I figured I would share. I found this article
Van Gogh’s trusty pipe: how the artist believed that smoking helped his art
and contacted the writer via email asking if they knew anything. they were very polite but could not shed any light on this issue. perhaps I can track down a Tobacco historian?