Vincent van Gogh, born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands, is one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. Despite his posthumous fame, van Gogh led a life filled with personal struggles and professional challenges.
Early Life and Career
Vincent was the eldest surviving son of Theodorus van Gogh, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and Anna Cornelia Carbentus. Vincent had a younger brother, Theo, who became his close confidant and financial supporter.
Initially, Vincent worked for the art dealers Goupil & Cie in The Hague, London, and Paris. However, his career in art dealing did not last. After failing in various other vocations like teaching and working as a lay preacher in a mining community, Vincent decided to become an artist in 1880, at the age of 27.
Artistic Development and Style
Van Gogh's early works largely featured somber earth tones and depicted peasant life, influenced by artists such as Jean-François Millet. His famous early work, The Potato Eaters, exemplifies this period.
Van Gogh's move to Paris in 1886 marked a significant transformation in his style. Under the influence of Impressionists like Claude Monet and Neo-Impressionists like Georges Seurat, his palette brightened and his brushwork became more expressive.
Arles and the Yellow House
In 1888, Vincent moved to Arles, hoping to establish an artists' colony. Here, he created some of his most famous works, including The Night Café and Starry Night Over the Rhône. He also rented the Yellow House, where he famously invited Paul Gauguin to join him.
The collaboration with Gauguin ended disastrously, culminating in the infamous incident where Vincent allegedly cut off part of his own ear. This episode is widely debated, with some historians speculating that Gauguin might have been involved in the injury.
Mental Health Struggles
Vincent's struggles with mental health are well-documented. He experienced severe episodes of depression and psychosis, which led to his voluntary admission to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Despite his condition, he remained highly productive, creating masterpieces like The Starry Night.
Final Months and Death
In May 1890, Vincent moved to Auvers-sur-Oise to be under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, who was also an amateur artist. During his time in Auvers, he painted over 70 works, including Wheatfield with Crows, often cited as his last painting.
On July 27, 1890, Vincent sustained a gunshot wound, believed to be self-inflicted, and died two days later on July 29, 1890. Theo was by his side during his final moments. Vincent was buried in Auvers, and Theo was buried next to him when he died six months later.
Legacy
Vincent van Gogh's artistic legacy is monumental. Despite selling only one painting during his lifetime, his works now fetch astronomical sums at auctions. For instance, his painting Portrait of Dr. Gachet sold for $82.5 million in 1990.
Some fun trivia about Vincent:
- He created over 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings.
- Vincent was a prolific letter writer; many of his letters to Theo have been published and offer deep insights into his life and thoughts.
- Contrary to popular belief, Vincent did not drink absinthe to the point of madness; he preferred to drink it in moderation.
- He often used a technique called "impasto," where he applied the paint thickly, giving texture to his works.
- Vincent was influenced by Japanese prints, which he avidly collected and even copied in his own style.
Vincent van Gogh remains a symbol of the tortured artist, whose genius was recognized only after his death. His vibrant, emotive works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring his place as a giant in the world of art.