Van Gogh

Today, the works of Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) are among the most famous and expensive in the world. His Sunflowers, The Starry Night, or Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear are known even by those who are otherwise not interested in art. They have indeed become part of the Western visual memory. However, when he brought his bright colors, expressive brushstrokes, and clearly defined forms to the canvas—elements that would later establish his reputation and inspire generations of expressionist artists—van Gogh was not only battling the indifference of his contemporaries but also struggling against inner demons and bouts of mental confusion. He increasingly suffered from depression and anxiety, ultimately taking his own life in 1890, shortly after his 37th birthday. This introduction traces Vincent van Gogh's biography from his artistic beginnings through his Parisian period to his final feverish burst of energy in southern France during the last two and a half years of his life.