Vincent van Gogh: A Legacy of Emotion and Colour

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose work has profoundly influenced modern art. Born in Zundert, Netherlands, van Goghwas the eldest child of Theodorus van Gogh, a minister, and Anna Cornelia Carbentus. His early life was marked by career changes and personal struggles, including stints as an art dealer, teacher, and missionary before he turned to painting at 27.

Van Gogh's artistic journey beganearnestly when he moved to Paris in 1886, where hewas exposed to the works of the Impressionists and other avant-garde artists like Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin. This period was crucial as it significantly influenced his use of colour and technique. In Paris, van Gogh adopted brighter colours and more dynamic brushstrokes, moving away from the darker tones of his early works, such as "The Potato Eaters" (1885)​.

In 1888, van Gogh moved to Arles in southern France, seeking new inspiration. Here, he produced some of his most famous works, including "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom." His time in Arles was also marked by his intense and volatile relationship with Gauguin, culminating in the infamous incident where van Gogh mutilated his ear during a psychotic episode.

Van Gogh's mental health continued to deteriorate, leading to his voluntary admission to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in 1889. Despite his struggles, this period was highly productive, with works like "Starry Night" and "Irises" created during his stay. His paintings from this time reflect a blend of intense emotional expression and vibrant, swirling colours.

In May 1890, van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise to be closer to his brother Theo, who supported him financially and emotionally. Under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, van Gogh continued to paint prolifically, producing over 70 paintings in the last 70 days of his life. However, his mental health issues persisted, and on July 27, 1890, van Gogh shot himself and died two days later from his injuries.

Vincent van Gogh's artistic legacy endures through his vast collection, encompassing around 2,100 artworks, including about 860 oil paintings. His decisive brushwork, emotive use ofcolour, andskill in capturing the essence of his subjects have made a lasting impact on the art world. Despite selling just one painting during his lifetime, van Gogh's posthumous acclaim soared, cementing his status as one of the most influential artists in Western art history.