Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh was born in Holland Vincent van Gogh was born in Holland. The son of a pastor, he brought up in a religious environment. His earliest years were spent as a quiet child with little or no attention spent on art or artistic qualities.

Between 1860 and 1880, he had worked as a clerk in a bookstore, an art salesman, and a preacher.

In 1881, he went to Belgium to study art, determined to provide happiness to others by creating beauty. Many of his earliest pieces were of peasant life, which could be credited to his work with the miners while he was a preacher. Still Life with Cabbage and Clogs Oil on paper on panel, December 1881

Vincent soon became passionate about becoming a famous drawer of figures, and continued to practice his newly developed skills. The Potato Eaters Oil on Canvas, April 1885

In 1885, he enrolled in an academy in Belgium where he discovered the art of Peter Paul Rubens and various Japanese artists. Both of these factors would greatly affect Vincent’s style in art. Two Peasant Women Digging Potatoes Oil on Canvas on Panel, August 1885

By early 1886, he had moved to Paris, France to live with his brother Theo. Here Vincent was exposed to modern art from the impressionists. The impressionist painters were famous for their use of light and color without a lot of detail. Vincent quickly dropped the dark colors he had previously used and began using brighter colors and also began experimenting with these new techniques. The Pont du Carrousel and the Louvre Oil on Canvas, June 1886

While in Paris, Vincent met other artists While in Paris, Vincent met other artists. He became friends with artist Paul Gauguin and hoped that his new friends would join him to create a school of art, which Gauguin later did. View of Arles with Irises in the Foreground Oil on Canvas, May 1888

Vincent began painting sunflowers to decorate Gauguin's bedroom Vincent began painting sunflowers to decorate Gauguin's bedroom. These sunflowers would later become one of Vincent's most famous pieces. Still Life: Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers Oil on Canvas, August 1888

In 1888, Vincent started suffering from mental illness In 1888, Vincent started suffering from mental illness. In one episode, he physically threatened his friend Gauguin. Later that day, Vincent returned to their house and cut off his ear. Vincent was temporarily hospitalized and released to find Gauguin leaving town, ending Vincent’s dream of an artistic community. Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe Oil on Canvas, January 1889

Later that year, he returned to the hospital Later that year, he returned to the hospital. He painted The Starry Night at that time, which remains his most popular work and one of the most influential pieces in history. The swirling lines of the sky may represent his confused mind at that time. This same style is visible in all of his work during his time in the hospital. The Starry Night Oil on Canvas, June 1889

Vincent left the hospital in 1890 Vincent left the hospital in 1890. He continued working and created a number of pieces; nearly one painting a day. In spite of his great creativity, Vincent was very disappointed with his life. His mental illness did not allow him to really enjoy his artistic talent. He died later that year. The Church at Auvers Oil on Canvas, June 1890

Between 1881 and 1890, Vincent painted almost 900 paintings Between 1881 and 1890, Vincent painted almost 900 paintings. Since his death, he has become one of the most famous painters in the world. Vincent’s paintings have captured the minds and hearts of millions of art lovers. The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night Oil on Canvas, September 1888

During his lifetime Vincent was never famous as a painter and struggled to make a living as an artist. Vincent only sold one painting during his lifetime, The Red Vineyard. This painting sold in Belgium only a few months before his death. The Red Vineyard Oil on Canvas, November 1888

In contrast, his paintings currently bring a very high price In contrast, his paintings currently bring a very high price. Four of the ten most expensive paintings in the world were painted by Vincent. This painting entitled Portrait of Dr. Gachet sold in 1990 for $82.5 million which is the equivalent of $136 million today. Portrait of Dr. Gachet Oil on canvas, June 1890

Although Vincent van Gogh only lived to the age of 37, he was able to greatly influence the art world. His paintings, to this day, continue to inspire people around the world. Sel-Portrait with Straw Hat Oil on Canvas, Summer 1887