Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh: The Starry-eyed Pioneer of Post-Impressionism

Vincent van Gogh, a luminary of the post-impressionist era, was much more than an illustrious Dutch artist who contributed substantially to Western art. His impassioned use of line and color evokes feelings of enchantment, serving as a window to his soul. This essay delves into the captivating narrative of van Gogh, traversing his life, artistic style, and the under-explored facets of his personal trials.

The Artistic Journey: Zundert to Auvers-sur-Oise

Born in the quaint town of Zundert in the Netherlands, the indomitable spirit of Vincent began to reveal itself at a tender age. Guided by his father, Theodorus van Gogh, a clergyman by profession, Vincent began dabbling in art. His initial works were meticulous copies of prints and self-studied drawings.

The Dutch painter's trajectory took him from the Netherlands to the French village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where he spent the last days of his life. Throughout this journey, his elder brother, Theo, proved to be a steadfast companion and benefactor. Their correspondence offers deep insight into Vincent's life and artistic evolution.

Post-Impressionism: A Dance of Line and Color

Van Gogh is heralded as a pioneer of modern art, particularly post-impressionism, characterized by its emotional intensity, bold brushwork, and the use of vibrant colors. This period witnessed the maturation of his technique, and the refinement of his unique style.

His famous works, such as "The Starry Night," "Sunflowers," and "The Potato Eaters," embody his artistic philosophy of expressing raw, profound emotions. For instance, "The Starry Night" is a depiction of the night sky, with swirling celestial bodies against the darkened blue canvas. This demonstrates his fascination with nocturnal beauty, resonating in many of his works.

Challenges and Triumphs: The Untold Story

Van Gogh's journey wasn't merely artistic; it was deeply personal. Struggling with mental health issues throughout his life, his painting became a therapeutic channel. Despite dealing with poverty and troubled relationships, his unyielding passion for art never waned.

Van Gogh's life came to a tragic end in Auvers-sur-Oise. He died young, at the age of 37, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

Vincent van Gogh: An Eternal Influence

Even after a century since his demise, van Gogh's neo-impressionist style has continued to inspire countless artists. His life and work are an enduring testament to the transformative power of art. Van Gogh's passion, captured in vibrant color and dramatic lines, remains an emblem of human resilience and creativity.

Early Years (1853-1880)

• Vincent van Gogh was born in 1853 in the Netherlands. As a young man he pursued various careers including art dealer and clergyman.
• He did not begin painting until 1880 at the age of 27. His early works focused on peasant life and were painted in dark, earthy tones influenced by Realism.

Paris (1886-1888)

• In 1886, van Gogh moved to Paris at the urging of his brother Theo, an art dealer. Here he was exposed to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.
• His palette brightened as he began using more vivid colors. He also developed his characteristic brushwork. Major works from this period include Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat.

Arles (1888-1889)

• In 1888, van Gogh relocated to Arles in the south of France, seeking an artistic community and vibrant light.
• This was an extremely productive period where he created sun-drenched landscapes, still lifes, and self-portraits. Notable works include The Yellow House, The Starry Night, and Sunflowers.

Saint-Rémy (1889-1890)

• Suffering from mental illness, van Gogh admitted himself to an asylum in Saint-Rémy in 1889.
• During this period his work became more emotionally expressive as he depicted his loneliness and isolation. The Starry Night and The Sower were painted at this time.

Auvers-sur-Oise (1890)

• Vincent van Gogh left the asylum in 1890 and went to Auvers-sur-Oise near Paris where he continued painting prolifically.
• This final period produced landscapes like Wheatfield with Crows. On July 27, 1890 van Gogh fatally shot himself at the age of 37.

Vincent van Gogh was not French. He was Dutch. Some key facts:

• Vincent van Gogh was born in 1853 in the Netherlands. His nationality was Dutch.
• He was raised in the southern Dutch province of North Brabant and spent much of his early life in the Netherlands.
• In 1886 he moved to Paris, where he was exposed to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. However, this was a temporary stay and he did not obtain French citizenship.
• He relocated several times between France and the Netherlands later in life, but remained Dutch.
• Vincent van Gogh died in 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. However, his nationality at birth and throughout his life remained Dutch.
• He is considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt van Rijn, further evidencing his Dutch identity.

1. He only started painting at age 27 — van Gogh pursued various careers including art dealer and clergyman before deciding to become an artist. He was largely self-taught and developed his signature style very quickly.
2. He cut off part of his own ear during an episode of mental illness. In 1888, van Gogh famously cut off his left ear after arguing with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. He suffered from mental health issues including depression and possible bipolar disorder.

His paintings became famous after his death. Although considered a great artist today, van Gogh struggled during his lifetime. He only sold one painting while alive. His posthumous fame is partly due to his sister-in-law's promotion of his work after he died.

Starry Night (1889)

• One of van Gogh's most iconic works, depicting a night sky over a village.
• Painted while van Gogh was in an asylum in Saint-Rémy. Features bold brushstrokes and striking colors.

Sunflowers (1888-1889)

• A series of still life paintings of sunflowers in vases, created to decorate his friend Gauguin's room.
• Characterized by vivid yellows contrasted with blue backgrounds. Became one of his most popular subjects.

The Potato Eaters (1885)

• An early work showing Dutch peasants gathered for a meal. Demonstrates his early dark color palette.

Wheatfield with Crows (1890)

• One of his last paintings, depicting a wheat field with crows flying overhead. Suggests isolation and sorrow.

Irises (1889)

• A detailed still life of irises against a pink background. Exemplifies his striking use of color.

Self-Portrait (1889)

• Prolific in self-portraits throughout his career. This one depicts him with a somber stare against a green background.

The Bedroom (1888)

• Part of a series depicting his bedroom in Arles. Used contrasting colors and perspective.

Artistic Collaboration

• They met in Paris in 1887 and admired each other's work. Gauguin was intrigued by van Gogh's innovative style while van Gogh saw Gauguin as a pioneering avant-garde artist.
• In 1888, van Gogh invited Gauguin to stay with him in Arles, France to start an "Studio of the South" artist colony. Gauguin stayed for 9 weeks.
• During this time, they painted together, often depicting the same subjects side-by-side as they influenced each other's work. Their differing styles - van Gogh's energetic brushwork vs Gauguin's Cloisonnism - offered inspiration and challenges.
• This period produced iconic works like van Gogh's Sunflowers series and Gauguin's The Painter of Sunflowers portrait of van Gogh.
• Though their time working together was short, it was a period of intense creativity that shaped their artistic development.

Personal Friendship

• Their friendship was turbulent with ups and downs. van Gogh idolized Gauguin while Gauguin saw van Gogh as overemotional.
• They argued frequently over art, money, and lifestyle. van Gogh wanted an artistic community while Gauguin valued solitude.
• The friendship reached a breaking point when van Gogh cut off part of his ear after a fight with Gauguin in December 1888, leading Gauguin to leave Arles.
• However, they continued corresponding until van Gogh's death in 1890, indicating some enduring bond.
• Their personal differences and van Gogh's mental illness created a fraught relationship, but their companionship facilitated a brief, vital artistic collaboration.

Notable quotes from Vincent van Gogh

"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream."

"I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process."

"Normality is a paved road: It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it."

"There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere."

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"

"The way to know life is to love many things."

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream."

"I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it."