Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter. He is known for his vivid use of color, expressive brushwork, and emotional depth. Throughout his life, Van Gogh struggled with financial difficulties and mental health issues.
_(1).jpg) Self-Portrait, c.1887, Art Institute of Chicago | |
| Born | Vincent Willem van Gogh 30 March 1853 Zundert, Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Died | 29 July 1890 (aged 37) Auvers-sur-Oise, France |
| Education | |
| Years active | 1881–1890 |
| Notable work |
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| Style / Movement | Post-Impressionism |
Life
editVincent Willem van Gogh was born on 30 March 1853 in the town of Zundert in the predominantly Catholic province of North Brabant in the Netherlands. His father, Theodorus van Gogh, was a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and his mother, Anna Cornelia Carbentus, came from a family with an interest in art. Vincent was named after a brother who had died a year before his birth and after his grandfather. As a child, he was introverted and observant, enjoyed studying nature and human life, and showed an early interest in drawing and painting.
At the age of sixteen, he began working for the Goupil & Cie art dealership in the Netherlands and later in London and Paris. These experiences gave him insight into the workings of the art world and the market. In 1876, he left his job to search for a direction in life; he briefly worked as a teacher, attempted a religious career, and engaged in missionary work, during which he observed the lives of impoverished workers, particularly miners in the Borinage region of Belgium. These experiences shaped his social awareness and later influenced his art.
In 1880, Van Gogh decided to become an artist and began studying painting and drawing in the Netherlands. His works from this period often depicted rural life, peasants, and the hardships of daily life, employing dark and earthy tones with a realist approach. His painting The Potato Eaters, completed in 1885, is considered one of the most important works of this period.
In 1886, he moved to Paris, where he was influenced by Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, and Japanese prints. The financial support of his brother Theo was crucial in sustaining Van Gogh’s life and artistic productivity. In Paris, he expanded his color palette, explored the effects of light and color, and refined his brushwork. The portraits and street scenes he created during this period marked a significant transformation in his artistic style.
In 1888, Van Gogh moved to Arles, where he was inspired by the bright sunlight and vibrant colors of the region. He produced a large number of paintings during this period, including his famous Sunflowers series. Hoping to establish an artist community, he invited Paul Gauguin to join him, but their relationship became increasingly tense, culminating in the well-known incident in December 1888, when Van Gogh, in a mental crisis, cut off part of his own ear.
Following these events, in May 1889, he voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. There, he continued to receive treatment while maintaining his artistic output, completing masterpieces such as The Starry Night and Irises. His mental struggles and intermittent depression contributed to the emotional depth of his works.
In 1890, he moved to Auvers-sur-Oise near Paris, where he worked under the supervision of Dr. Paul Gachet, focusing on landscapes and village scenes. His mental state continued to deteriorate, and on 29 July 1890, at the age of 37, he took his own life. Although his work was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, Van Gogh is now regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern art.
Van Gogh’s life had a short but profound impact on the art world; his productivity and devotion to art ensured his posthumous recognition and the enduring value of his works.