President Vincent van Gogh of the Netherlands

or perhaps Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Holland?

Are there any PODs for van Gogh getting into politics rather than painting?

He was a very radical guy, and felt strongly for the poor and was very Christian. I could see him as a Christian Socialist, or maybe even a reactionary party.
 
"That Van Gogh is an astute minister...always keeps his ears peeled for the latest political trends." :D

Seriously, though, I think you need a serious change in personality, i.e. no serious social and psychological issues (or no epilepsy if you favor that theory). If OTL he'd be too separated from the rest of humanity to be interested in politics, none the less successful.
 
I tend to believe that alot of politicians sadly profit from anti-social or even psychological isssues.

Hitler being an obvious one, but also Nixon was extremely anti-social, and Lincoln was certainly troubled. Crazyness is not necessarily a flaw considering these examples.

I've been thinking that perhaps if Belgian indepence doesn't occur the United Netherlands could take a reactionary turn by Vincent van Gogh's life time.

Also apparently van Gogh was one of the first otaku of the west. He was obsessed with Japanese culture and often would paint himself with japanese eyes! Whither the Japanese Empire/United Netherlands offensive alliance?
 

HJ Tulp

Donor
To make him President of the Netherlands you need to get rid of the monarchy, to make him Prime Minister of Holland you need to keep the Kingdom of Holland alive....
 
Well, if the Netherlands monarchy continues being strong, and if Van Gogh becomes involved in civil service as a way to pay the bills while doing art for the sake of art...you could see him eventually rising to a high position, with the right amount of skill and dedication. Privy Council, et al; Minister of of Art/Culture perhaps? Later becoming PM, with the help of fresh, different historical circumstances?

I mean, fuck, Goethe was a member of the Duke of Weimar's governing council and eventually his chief adviser. A playwright and author; a damn good one, but not really the first person to come to mind when you think "politician". If OTL!Goethe can be the chief adviser to the Duke of Weimar, ATL!Van Gogh can probably find similar success, under the right circumstances, in the Netherlands.
 
Top