Vincent van Gogh

Biography

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch painter whose expressive use of color, bold brushwork, and emotional intensity made him one of the most influential figures in Western art. Born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands, Van Gogh was the son of a Protestant minister and showed early interest in art, though his career path initially included work as an art dealer and teacher before he committed fully to painting.

Van Gogh’s artistic career spanned just over a decade, yet he produced more than 2,000 artworks, including around 900 paintings. His early works, such as The Potato Eaters (1885), reflect dark, earthy tones and depict the struggles of peasant life. After moving to Paris in 1886, he encountered Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist techniques, brightening his palette and inspiring his dynamic, color-rich style.

Some of his most iconic paintings were created during his time in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, including Starry Night (1889), Sunflowers (1888), and Irises (1889). Van Gogh’s work is celebrated for its emotional depth, vivid colors, and innovative brushwork, which convey his inner turmoil and profound sensitivity to nature.

Despite his extraordinary talent, Van Gogh struggled with mental illness and poverty throughout his life. His career was marked by isolation and personal suffering, culminating in his death from a gunshot wound on July 29, 1890, in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

Posthumously, Van Gogh gained immense recognition, and his work has had a profound impact on modern art. Today, he is revered not only for his technical mastery and creativity but also for his passionate, deeply human vision that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.