Vincent van Gogh’s art goes beyond beauty; it captures a spirit of relentless intensity, bold color, and human vulnerability. Known for his turbulent life and tragic death, van Gogh’s story is woven into every brushstroke of his paintings. Born into a deeply religious family, he took an unconventional path to becoming one of history’s most impactful artists—his works now celebrated for their honesty and emotional depth. But behind this success lies a life marked by isolation, poverty, and the ongoing challenge of mental illness, ultimately shaping his art and vision.
Today, we’ll dive into pivotal moments that shaped van Gogh’s life and artistry, uncover intriguing details from his journey, and spotlight his most iconic works. We’ll also guide you to the top destinations where van Gogh’s legacy comes alive, offering a unique chance to step into his world. Whether you’re looking to deepen your appreciation or impress your van Gogh-enthusiast clients, this guide captures the life, art, and lasting influence of an artist whose impact endures. Enjoy!
The Life of Vincent van Gogh
The Story Behind the Artist
Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands, in a small town called Groot-Zundert. Originally, his life took a different path; a deeply spiritual person, he studied theology and worked as a missionary before ultimately finding his calling in art. Entirely self-taught, van Gogh’s late start in art—he was already in his late twenties—didn’t slow him down. Instead, he dived into his work, using his art to express a world of intense emotions and impressions.
The trajectory of van Gogh’s life was anything but stable. He wrestled with severe mental illness, which led to moments of brilliance interwoven with breakdowns. In 1888, his struggles reached a breaking point during an argument with his friend and fellow artist, Paul Gauguin, after which van Gogh famously cut off part of his ear. His story only grows more tragic from there: he died at 37, from a gunshot wound, in near obscurity. It was only after his death that his work began to gain the appreciation and reverence it holds today.
Yet despite his turbulent life, van Gogh’s work resonates across time and culture for its raw expression of beauty, turmoil, and the sheer force of human will. Here are four intriguing insights into his life and work that reveal just how multi-faceted his legacy truly is.
Here are four curiosities about Vincent Van Gogh that even some of his biggest admirers might not know:
1. He Created Over 2,000 Works in 10 Years: Between 1880 and his death in 1890, Van Gogh was incredibly prolific, producing more than 2,000 pieces of art, including 860 oil paintings and more than 1,000 drawings. He was known for painting with intense energy, sometimes completing multiple works in a single day. His drive to capture the world around him often seemed like a battle against time, which may explain the urgency in his brushstrokes.
2. He Only Sold One Painting in His Lifetime: Despite being one of the most famous artists in history today, Van Gogh sold only one painting while he was alive. The painting, The Red Vineyard, was sold for 400 francs in Belgium in 1890, just months before his death. His fame and recognition only skyrocketed after his passing, thanks to the efforts of his brother’s wife, Johanna, who preserved and promoted his work.
3. He Painted Over His Own Canvases: Van Gogh often reused his canvases to save money, painting over his older works. It’s estimated that nearly one-third of his paintings have earlier pieces hidden beneath them. Modern technology, like X-rays, has revealed some of these hidden layers, providing a fascinating glimpse into his artistic evolution.
4. He Was Greatly Influenced by Japanese Art: The 19th century art was influenced by Japonisme and Van Gogh was no different. He was inspired by Japanese prints known as ukiyo-e, with bold colors, strong outlines, and depictions of nature. They taught him a new way of looking at the world and inspired him modernise his own art.
In one of his letters to his brother Theo, Vincent said: "All my work is based to some extent on Japanese art".
Iconic Masterpieces and Where to Find Them
Today, van Gogh’s works are celebrated worldwide. His paintings span an impressive range of subjects, with each piece capturing a distinct mood and moment in his life. Here’s where you can find some of his most notable works:
The Starry Night (1889) – Museum of Modern Art, New York: Painted during his time in the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, this iconic work’s swirling night sky is a vivid expression of his turbulent inner world and fascination with nature.
Sunflowers (1888) – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam & National Gallery, London: Painted in Arles, France, these vibrant works are as much an exploration of color and texture as they are a symbol of life and hope. Versions of Sunflowers can be seen in both Amsterdam and London.
Wheatfield with Crows (1890) – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: Considered one of his final works, this painting captures a somber sense of isolation and despair, with crows flying above a stark path—a striking reflection of his emotional state near the end of his life.
Self-Portraits – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam & Musée d'Orsay, Paris: Van Gogh’s self-portraits, including the well-known Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, offer a glimpse into his fragile self-image and evolving identity over time.
The Bedroom (1888) – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: Painted during his time in Arles, this piece of his modest bedroom is remarkable for its strong colors and skewed perspective, evoking his psychological attachment to his environment.
Almond Blossom (1890) – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: Symbolizing renewal and hope, this delicate painting of blooming almond trees was created to celebrate the birth of his nephew. The fresh, vibrant colors mark a departure from his more somber works, reflecting his brief moments of peace and optimism.
Experiencing Van Gogh’s Art in the Netherlands
For anyone interested in immersing themselves in van Gogh’s legacy, the Netherlands offers two premier destinations to view his work in depth.
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: Home to the largest collection of his works, the Van Gogh Museum houses over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive look at van Gogh’s development and personal life, including his close relationship with his brother Theo. Iconic works like Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, and Almond Blossom; curated exhibitions that delve into his techniques and influences; and letters that give a rare glimpse into his thoughts and inspirations.
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo: Nestled within the peaceful Hoge Veluwe National Park, this museum holds the second-largest collection of van Gogh’s work. Early patron Helene Kröller-Müller recognized his genius and collected 90 of his paintings and 180 drawings. Its serene location complements van Gogh’s nature-inspired works. Visitors can also enjoy a sculpture garden and wide-ranging pieces that showcase the breadth of his artistic evolution.
Finally, Sapiens offers three unique and different experiences that delve into the life and legacy of Van Gogh during their stay in Amsterdam - check their full details here. We are confident your clients will love them!
Van Gogh’s Lasting Legacy
More than a century after his death, van Gogh’s influence on art and culture remains unparalleled. His daring use of color and form, combined with his intense emotional depth, has left a mark on everything from Expressionism to modern art. For generations, artists and admirers alike have been captivated by his courage in confronting the complexity of the human experience.
Final Tips for Visiting
To make the most of a visit to the Van Gogh Museum or the Kröller-Müller Museum, advance booking is recommended, as these sites are popular year-round. Both museums offer immersive, thoughtfully curated experiences, so set aside plenty of time to fully appreciate the art and its context. Exploring van Gogh’s work in the Netherlands offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the artist’s life and vision on a profound level.