Vincent van Gogh: The Life and Art of a Troubled Genius

Early Life and Influences

Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the small village of Zundert in the Netherlands. His father was a Protestant minister, and his mother was a devout Christian. Van Gogh's early life was marked by religious fervor and a deep love of nature.

Van Gogh: The Life

by David Dann

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Language	:	English
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Van Gogh showed a talent for drawing at an early age, but his parents discouraged him from pursuing art as a career. After working as an art dealer and a missionary, van Gogh finally decided to become a painter in 1880.

Van Gogh's early influences included the Dutch painters Rembrandt and Frans Hals, as well as the French Impressionists. He also admired the work of Japanese printmakers, which influenced his use of bright colors and bold brushstrokes.

The Paris Years

In 1886, van Gogh moved to Paris to study art. He met and befriended other artists, including Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Émile Bernard.

During his time in Paris, van Gogh's art underwent a significant transformation. He adopted a more vibrant and expressive style, characterized by thick brushstrokes and intense colors.

Some of van Gogh's most famous paintings were created during his Paris years, including The Starry Night (1889) and Sunflowers (1888).

The Arles Years

In 1888, van Gogh moved to the town of Arles in southern France. He was drawn to the region's bright sunlight and vibrant colors.

During his time in Arles, van Gogh painted some of his most iconic works, including The Yellow House (1888) and Café Terrace at Night (1888).

However, van Gogh's time in Arles was also marked by mental illness. He suffered from frequent hallucinations and delusions. In 1889, he had a famous falling-out with Gauguin, which led to a breakdown and a stay in a mental hospital.

The Saint-Rémy Years

After his breakdown, van Gogh was admitted to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He spent the next year in and out of the asylum, painting and writing letters to his brother Theo.

During his time in Saint-Rémy, van Gogh produced some of his most powerful and moving paintings, including The Starry Night (1889) and Wheatfield with Crows (1890).

The Auvers-sur-Oise Years

In 1890, van Gogh left Saint-Rémy and moved to the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris. He was under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, a homeopathic physician who had a keen interest in art.

During his time in Auvers-sur-Oise, van Gogh painted some of his most beautiful and haunting works, including Landscape with Wheatstacks (1890) and Wheatfield with Crows (1890).

On July 27, 1890, van Gogh shot himself in the chest. He died two days later at the age of 37.

Legacy

Vincent van Gogh is considered one of the most influential painters of all time. His unique style and expressive brushwork have inspired generations of artists.

Van Gogh's paintings are now among the most valuable and sought-after in the world. They are displayed in museums and galleries around the globe, and continue to fascinate and inspire people of all ages.

Further Reading

• Van Gogh Museum
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Museum of Modern Art