Vincent Van Gogh: A Legend After Death

For the art community, Vincent Van Gogh is a name impossible to not know. He is one of the greatest artists of all time, with countless works of his being instantly recognizable, even amongst non-art enthusiasts. He is highly looked upon, with many artists trying to intimidate his style. Despite Van Gogh being a relatively unknown artist during his life, following his death, his fame became infinite and his impact on art is forever withstanding.

Vincent Van Gogh was born in Groot Zundert, Netherlands in 1853. Before becoming an artist, Van Gogh had numerous failed careers. He was initially an Art Dealer instead of an artist, though he was fired from his position at Goupol and Cie in London. He attempted to become a preacher, which was the job of his father, though he ultimately failed at this too. At 27, after being encouraged by his brother Theo, he decided to pursue a career as an artist.

In 1886, Van Gogh moved to Paris where he discovered Impressionism. Impressionism was based on capturing fleeting moments and playing with light by emphasizing short, thick strokes. Impressionism would later become a staple of Van Gogh’s art style. During his time in Paris, he also met Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Gauguin, who helped influence him into adopting a more colorful style with his art. 

In 1888, Van Gogh moved to Arles, France in hopes of creating an artists’ colony called the “Yellow House”. However, this artists’ colony ultimately failed, and after a large argument and a mental breakdown, Van Gogh famously cut off a portion of his left ear. Despite the failed excursion though, he created some of his most famous paintings. His Sunflower series, which was used to welcome Paul Gauguin, an artist who accompanied Van Gogh to Arles, was revolutionary. The series experimented with various shades, demonstrating the life cycle of a flower. Meanwhile, from 1885 to 1889, Van Gogh painted over 35 self portrait. His most famous is the “Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear”, painted following his mental breakdown.

Following the breakdown and his time in Arles, he checked himself in at Saint-Remy-de-Provence. Despite being ill, he was quite productive, painting the now infamous “The Starry Night” looking out his asylum’s window. Currently housed at Museum of Modern Art, around 3 million people visit it each year and it remains one of the most famous art pieces in human history. 

Despite dying relatively young at the age of 37, his impact is forever lasting, even after his death. Even with his troubles, Van Gogh produced over 2,000 artworks of which millions view annually. His use of impressionism and color was revolutionary, forever changing the art world. Despite his short life, his legacy will be forever infinite.