Vincent Van Gogh was a renowned Dutch artist of the 19th century. He is considered one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. Van Gogh’s works are often characterized by bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a unique, identity-defining style of painting. His work has had an immense influence on modern and contemporary art, and his painting The Starry Night is possibly his most iconic work. In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting facts about Vincent Van Gogh and why he remains such a fascinating figure to so many. Let’s take a look.
Background
Vincent Van Gogh was born to an upper-middle-class family in the southern Netherlands in 1853. His father was a pastor, and his mother was an art enthusiast. As a child, Van Gogh was educated at a local school where he excelled at reading, math, and music.
Van Gogh’s interests in art began around age 15 and led him to take classes taught by Dutch artists at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts. He quickly developed a reputation as a diligent and dedicated student, but he dropped out after only a year to seek work as an art dealer and tutor in England.
In the 1880s, Van Gogh began to paint in earnest and he moved to Paris, where he came into contact with other well-known painters such as Degas and Pissarro. In 1888, he moved to the South of France where he created some of his most famous works. He spent two years in St. Remy, and most of his works during that period were scenes of the surrounding countryside.
Van Gogh was highly prolific in his artistic output, even though much of his work was never seen during his lifetime. In 1890, he died by suicide. Following his death, his artwork experienced a significant surge in popularity, and today he remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the history of art.
Interesting Facts About Vincent Van Gogh
- Vincent Van Gogh Never Sold a Single Painting in His Lifetime
Although Van Gogh was highly prolific and incredibly dedicated to his craft, he never sold a single painting during his lifetime. His family did eventually manage to sell a few of his works after his death, and the same is true for a few of his contemporaries who discovered and appreciated his work.
- He Wrote Over 600 Letters
Another interesting fact about Vincent Van Gogh is that he wrote over 600 letters to family, friends, and colleagues. The letters provide invaluable insight into his life, his thought process, and his artistic ambitions. They also serve as a testament to his drive and ambition as an artist.
- He Was Not a Big Fan of Monet
Van Gogh was highly critical of one of the art world’s greatest figures, Claude Monet. He thought Monet’s work lacked boldness and that it showed a lack of commitment and ambition. This opinion was not shared by many of his contemporaries and is one of the many interesting facts about Van Gogh’s life.
- He Dropped Out of School
Van Gogh’s career path may have been very different had he not dropped out of school. He attended the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts, but dropped out after only a year. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in his life, as it allowed him to pursue his passion for art without the restrictions of a formal education.
- He Developed His Unique Style Over Time
Van Gogh’s style evolved over time. He was originally an impressionist painter, but eventually developed a more distinctive, identity-defining style. He was heavily influenced by the works of Rembrandt, Daumier and the Japanese prints, and his brushstrokes became thicker and more vibrant over time.
- He Created Over 2,100 Works of Art
Despite the fact that Van Gogh did not sold any painting during his life, he was highly prolific. He created more than 2,100 known works, which includes 860 oil paintings, over 1,300 sketches, and drawings. Many of his works are now housed in art galleries and museums around the world.
- He Had a Fascination With Sunflowers
One of the most distinctive elements of Van Gogh’s work is the use of sunflowers. This is no coincidence, as he had a deep fascination with the flower. He painted several different versions of the sunflower painting, and it is arguably his most famous subject.
- He Once Cut Off His Own Ear
Perhaps the most infamous of all the interesting facts about Vincent Van Gogh is that he once cut off his own ear. His psychiatric condition was such that he believed it would be easier to cope if he sliced off a part of himself, and so he cut off his ear while he was living in Arles, France.
Vincent Van Gogh remains one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the history of art. Although he never received much recognition during his lifetime, his works have since become some of the world’s most famous and beloved paintings. His story is an inspiring one, and it is filled with interesting facts, such as his lack of success as an artist, his contentious opinion of Monet, and, of course, his childhood dream of becoming an art dealer. Nearly 150 years after his death, Vincent Van Gogh is still an example of a groundbreaking artist who defied convention and achieved greatness.
