Vincent van Gogh, born in 1853 in the Netherlands, is considered one of the most famous painters of all time. Although he began painting only at 27, in just 10 years he created over 2000 artworks, including 1100 sketches and approximately 900 paintings. In the last part of his life, he experienced remarkable productivity, completing more than 200 paintings in just 15 months—approximately one painting every two days. As he wrote in a letter to his brother Theo:
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
The Impact of Japanese Art
Japanese art had a major influence on Van Gogh's artistic creation. Before interacting with other Impressionist painters and being inspired by the works of Hokusai, his style was quite melancholic, using only dark and pale colours. This influence transformed his colour palette and how he perceived nature.
Before After
Life and Financial Struggles
Although he is recognized as a genius today, Van Gogh struggled to sell many works during his lifetime, placing him in a precarious financial situation. His support mainly came from his brother Theo, who regularly sent him money to buy canvases, paint, and brushes. Van Gogh stated:
“I can't change the fact that my paintings don't sell. But the time will come when people will recognize that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.”
A Lesson About Love and Appreciation
An important lesson we can learn from his life is the significance of loving and appreciating those around us. Vincent asserted:
“I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”
In this spirit, you can find our clothing design referencing this story in our shop here.
His Artistic Legacy
His passion for painting and for people convinced him that his destiny was to paint. He wished for his works to be a legacy for those who would come after him:
“I am convinced that a picture can never be finished but only abandoned. And for that reason, I am always hoping to make a work that will be of use to the people who will come after me.”
Another Side of Van Gogh
This post aims to show another side of Gogh, who is often portrayed in the media as a genius with mental health issues. While he may have suffered from certain medical conditions, in my mind and heart, he was a misunderstood artist in his time. I would even call him a hero for his dedication to art despite the challenges he endured.
The Tragedy and His Death
Vincent died at just 37 years old due to a wound caused by a gunshot to the shoulder. Some say he attempted suicide, while a legend suggests that some children found a gun and accidentally shot him. The truth is that no one knows exactly what happened.
Recommendation
If you're passionate about art and the life of Van Gogh, I highly recommend watching the film At Eternity's Gate. It offers a deep perspective on his inner struggles and the beauty of his creations. In a world full of challenges, Van Gogh's story remains an inspiration for all who love art.