Sure, reading letters intended for someone other than oneself is voyeuristic, but when the letters are written by an artist legend, delving into them becomes a lesson in art history and criticism. "Painted With Words: Vincent van Gogh's Letters to Émile Bernard," on view at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City (through January 6), provides such an opportunity.

The exhibition, which also has an accompanying book, features van Gogh’s notes, criticism and sketches to fellow artist Bernard between 1887 and 1889—during the time van Gogh was living in Arles and St. Rémy, in Provence—plus more than 20 watercolors, drawings and paintings by the two that reflect their shared ideas. Incidentally, it was during this period that van Gogh unlocked his artistic potential, according to the Morgan Library.

For an online preview, check out the Morgan Library’s presentation of a few of the letters, with translation capabilities.

Image from www.morganlibrary.org.