Vincent van Gogh, the post-impressionist painter whose work, notable for its beauty, emotion, and color, highly influenced 20th-century art. His artistry is synonymous with post-impressionism, a movement that led the transition from the 19th century.
Despite facing mental health challenges and a life marked by poverty, lack of recognition, and struggles, van Gogh’s legacy comprises some of the most famous and influential works in the history of Western art.
Here are 14 fascinating facts about Vincent van Gogh that paint a picture of his complex and remarkable life.
Vincent van Gogh Facts
1. Vincent van Gogh Produced Around 2,100 Artworks in Just Over a Decade
Van Gogh was incredibly prolific in his short career. He created roughly 2,100 artworks, which included 860 oil paintings and more than 1,300 watercolors, drawings, sketches, and prints.
His entire body of work was produced in a span of 10 years, from 1880 to 1890, signifying his intense dedication to his craft and the remarkable speed at which he worked.
2. Vincent van Gogh Only Sold One Painting During His Lifetime
Despite his vast oeuvre, success eluded Vincent during his lifetime. “The Red Vineyard” is known to be the only painting he sold, bought for 400 francs in Brussels, a few months before his death.
This lack of commercial success contributed to his poverty and mental health issues.
3. The Most Expensive Vincent van Gogh Painting Ever Sold Was “Portrait of Dr. Gachet”
In 1990, “Portrait of Dr. Gachet” sold for an incredible $82.5 million at auction.
This price adjusts to over $150 million in today’s currency, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.
Dr. Gachet was van Gogh’s physician during the last months of the artist’s life, and the portrait is a testament to their close relationship.
4. Vincent van Gogh Suffered from Psychiatric Illness and Once Cut Off His Ear
Van Gogh’s mental health struggled throughout his life and is well-documented.
In a well-known episode of psychosis, he cut off part of his left ear after an argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin.
He then wrapped it in paper and presented it to a woman at a brothel they both visited.
5. The Starry Night is Considered Vincent van Gogh’s Magnum Opus
“The Starry Night,” painted in 1889, is one of the most recognized paintings in Western art.
Depicting the view from his room at the Saint-Paul asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he committed himself after the ear incident, the painting exemplifies his innovative use of color and brushwork.
It was created during one of his most turbulent periods, yet it’s his most serene and universally celebrated work.
6. Vincent van Gogh’s Artistic Style Evolved Rapidly and Incorporated Japanese Influences
Van Gogh was deeply influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, which is evident in his use of color and composition.
He had hoped to form an art colony in the South of France, inspired by the aesthetics and values he admired in Japanese culture.
His later works, particularly those painted while he was living in the South of France, reveal this influence in their bright colors and clear outlines.
7. Vincent van Gogh Had a Close Yet Tumultuous Relationship with His Brother Theo
Theo van Gogh, an art dealer, was Vincent’s closest confidant and supporter.
Their extensive correspondence has provided deep insights into Vincent’s thoughts and feelings.
Theo supported Vincent financially and emotionally throughout his career, and Vincent’s death was a devastating blow to him.
8. Vincent van Gogh’s Mental Health May Have Been Affected by Absinthe and Lead Poisoning
During the 19th century, absinthe was a popular drink among artists, and van Gogh was known to consume it.
The high alcohol content and potential neurotoxic compounds in absinthe may have contributed to his deteriorating mental health.
Additionally, the lead-based paints used at the time have led some to speculate that lead poisoning could have played a role in his symptoms.
9. Vincent van Gogh Left a Profound Legacy Despite a Lack of Recognition During His Life
Today, Vincent van Gogh is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. His unique style and passionate approach inspired generations of artists, from Expressionists to Abstract painters.
Although he was not successful in his lifetime, his posthumous recognition has grown enormously, and his works are celebrated worldwide.
10. Sunflowers Are Amongst Vincent van Gogh’s Most Famous Works
Van Gogh’s series of “Sunflowers” paintings are amongst his most famous.
They were created during his time in Arles, France, and were intended to decorate the room of his friend Paul Gauguin.
The vibrant yellows and expressive brushwork make them exceptional examples of his mastery in handling color and form.
11. Vincent van Gogh Often Painted Outdoors and Was a Pioneer of Plein Air Painting
He preferred to paint from life and was deeply influenced by the changing landscape and light.
His outdoor painting sessions allowed him to capture the immediacy of the world around him, which is especially evident in his landscapes and scenes of rural life.
This plein-air method became a cornerstone for other artists and movements like the Impressionists.
12. Vincent van Gogh’s Work Did Not Become Widely Known Until After His Death
It was only after Vincent’s death that his art began to receive critical attention and gain popularity.
Exhibitions organized by his sister-in-law, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, helped bring his work into the public eye, leading to widespread recognition.
His art grew in stature through the 20th century, influencing various art movements and becoming nearly synonymous with the image of the tortured artist.
13. Vincent van Gogh’s Last Painting is Thought to Be “Wheatfield with Crows”
“Wheatfield with Crows,” painted in July 1890, is often considered van Gogh’s final work due to its somber themes and dramatic sky.
The painting’s foreboding appearance and the fact it was created shortly before his death contributed to this belief, despite some dispute among scholars.
The painting is frequently interpreted as an ominous symbol of his troubled state of mind.
14. Vincent van Gogh Is One of the Most Faked Artists
Vincent van Gogh’s popularity has led to a substantial market for forgeries of his work. Many fake van Gogh pieces have been circulated over the years, some of which were thought to be genuine for decades before being debunked.
As a result, authentication of his works can be a complex and meticulous process.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam plays a crucial role in the authentication and study of his works, striving to maintain the integrity of his legacy.
FAQs about Vincent van Gogh
How did Vincent van Gogh die?
Vincent van Gogh died under somewhat mysterious circumstances, with the general consensus being that he took his own life.
On July 27, 1890, at the age of 37, he is believed to have shot himself in the chest with a revolver. He succumbed to his injuries two days later, with his brother Theo by his side.
What is the significance of Vincent van Gogh’s ear incident?
The incident where Vincent van Gogh cut off part of his ear is one of the most famous anecdotes about his life, highlighting his struggle with mental health.
It occurred after an argument with Paul Gauguin and symbolizes the turbulent relationship between the two artists.
Van Gogh’s self-mutilation is often seen as a prelude to the worsening of his mental state that would eventually lead to his death.
Why didn’t Vincent van Gogh’s work sell during his lifetime?
Vincent van Gogh’s work did not fit into any conventional category of art at the time and was therefore not generally appreciated.
His bold colors and dramatic brushwork were ahead of his time, and it took years for the art world to recognize the innovation and power of his work.
Financial success and critical recognition largely eluded him until after his death.
What inspired Vincent van Gogh’s unique painting style?
Vincent van Gogh’s style was influenced by a number of factors including the work of the Impressionists, Japanese art, the color theories of the time, and his own emotional and spiritual state.
He experimented with different techniques and was moved by his personal response to nature and the people around him. His correspondence reflects an artist who is deeply thoughtful about his work and constantly evolving in his approach.