Vincent

Vincent van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade, he created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of which date from the last two years of his life. His works include landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and self-portraits, characterized by bold colors and dramatic, impulsive, and expressive brushwork that contributed to the foundations of modern art.

Early Life

Vincent Willem van Gogh was born in Zundert, Netherlands, to Theodorus van Gogh, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and Anna Carbentus van Gogh. His early life was marked by a moody temperament and a passion for nature. After leaving school, Vincent worked for a time at a firm of art dealers. Disenchanted with the commercial aspect of art, he briefly turned to teaching and then to theology, but his desire to help the poor led him to begin a career as a missionary worker. His early drawings are of poor and working people, showing his interest in capturing their lives and conditions.

Artistic Career

Van Gogh moved to Paris in 1886, where he was influenced by the works of the Impressionists and Neo-Impressionists, and the use of color and light became central to his work. He developed a unique style that vividly expressed his emotions. In 1888, he moved to Arles, hoping to establish an art colony. His time in Arles was one of his most productive periods, creating many of his best-known works, including The Starry Night. However, his mental health deteriorated, leading to the famous incident in which he cut off part of his left ear.

Mental Health and Death

Van Gogh suffered from psychotic episodes and delusions, and he was admitted to psychiatric hospitals on several occasions. Despite his mental health issues, he continued to paint and produced some of his greatest works during these periods. On 27 July 1890, van Gogh shot himself in the chest with a revolver. He died two days later from his injuries, at the age of 37.

Legacy

Van Gogh did not achieve widespread recognition until years after his death. Today, his works are among the world's most expensive paintings to have ever sold at auction. His influence on Expressionism, Fauvism, and early abstraction was profound, and his techniques and style continue to be celebrated in the art world.

See Also

• Impressionism
• Post-Impressionism
• The Starry Night
• Expressionism