Vincent van Gogh:
Master of Post-Impressionism Dutch Visionary (1853-1890)

Vincent Willem van Gogh, a seminal figure in the world of Western art, transformed the art scene with his vibrant paintings and profound impact on modern art. Over a span of just a decade, van Gogh produced around 2,100 artworks, including 860 oil paintings, largely crafted in the tumultuous final two years of his life. His expressive works, which include stirring landscapes, penetrating portraits, and mesmerising still life, are celebrated for their bold, vivid colours and dynamic, impulsive brushstrokes.

Born into an upper-middle-class Dutch family, van Gogh was contemplative and reserved from a young age. Initially pursuing a career as an art dealer, he experienced early bouts of depression, prompting a turn towards spirituality and a brief stint as a missionary in Belgium. However, his true calling emerged when he embraced painting in 1881, supported by his devoted brother Theo.

Van Gogh’s early works were subdued, focusing on still lifes and peasant scenes. His palette and style evolved dramatically after moving to Paris in 1886, where he engaged with avant-garde artists like Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin. This period marked a significant shift, leading to the development of his distinctive approach to subjects and scenery.

His time in Arles in 1888 was particularly prolific, giving rise to some of his most famous series, including those depicting olive trees, wheat fields, and sunflowers. Despite his artistic vibrancy, van Gogh battled severe mental health issues, leading to infamous episodes such as the self-mutilation of his ear during a dispute with Gauguin.

Van Gogh’s struggles with health continued, culminating in a tragic suicide attempt in 1890, from which he succumbed to his injuries two days later. Despite his lack of commercial success and the public’s perception of him as a mad failure during his lifetime, van Gogh’s posthumous reputation flourished. By the early 20th century, his techniques and styles influenced key movements such as Fauvism and German Expressionism.

Today, van Gogh is celebrated not only for his contributions to art but also as a symbol of the tormented, misunderstood genius. His works fetch some of the highest prices at auctions, and his life and legacy are preserved in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which hosts the largest collection of his works globally. Van Gogh’s story remains a poignant narrative of immense talent, intense passion, and deep personal turmoil.