Vincent Van Gogh

Overview

Vincent Willem van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade, he created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of which date from the last two years of his life. They include landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and self-portraits. They are characterised by bold colours and dramatic, impulsive, and expressive brushwork that contribute to the foundations of modern art. He was not commercially successful, and his suicide at 37 came after years of mental illness, depression and poverty. Born into an upper-middle-class family, Van Gogh drew as a child and was serious, quiet, and thoughtful. As a young man, he worked as an art dealer, often travelling, but became depressed after he was transferred to London. He turned to religion and spent time as a Protestant missionary in southern Belgium. He drifted in ill health and solitude before taking up painting in 1881, having moved back home with his parents. His younger brother Theo supported him financially, and the two kept a long correspondence by letter. His early works, mostly still lifes and depictions of peasant labourers, contain few signs of the vivid colour that distinguished his later work. In 1886, he moved to Paris, where he met members of the avant-garde, including Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin, who were reacting against the Impressionist sensibility. As his work developed, he created a new approach to still lifes and local landscapes. His paintings grew brighter in colour as he developed a style that became fully realised during his stay in Arles in the south of France in 1888. During this period, he broadened his subject matter to include a series of olive trees, wheat fields, and sunflowers. Van Gogh suffered from psychotic episodes and delusions, and though he worried about his mental stability, he often neglected his physical health, did not eat properly and drank heavily. His friendship with Gauguin ended after a confrontation with a razor when, in a rage, he severed part of his own left ear. He spent time in psychiatric hospitals, including a period at Saint-Rémy. After he had discharged himself and moved to the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise near Paris, he came under the care of the homeopathic doctor Paul Gachet. His depression continued, and on 27 July 1890, Van Gogh shot himself in the chest with a revolver. He died from his injuries two days later. Van Gogh was unsuccessful during his lifetime and was considered a madman and a failure. He became famous after his suicide and exists in the public imagination as the quintessential misunderstood genius, the artist "where discourses on madness and creativity converge.” His reputation began to grow in the early 20th century as elements of his painting style came to be incorporated by the Fauves and German Expressionists. He attained widespread critical, commercial and popular success over the ensuing decades and is remembered as an important but tragic painter, whose troubled personality typifies the romantic ideal of the tortured artist. Today, Van Gogh's works are among the world's most expensive paintings to have ever sold, and his legacy is honoured by a museum in his name, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which holds the world's largest collection of his paintings and drawings.

Suggested Media

Web Resources: Print

• BIOGRAPHY (includes video clips): https://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/biography.html • BIOGRAPHY (plus 1 minute video clip): https://www.biography.com/artist/vincent-van-gogh • BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh • BIOGRAPHY: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vincent-van-Gogh • ARTICLE (Madness and painting style): https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/aug/05/vincent-van-gogh-myths-madness-and-a-new-way-of-painting • ARTICLE: (Metropolitan Museum of Art): https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gogh/hd_gogh.htm • ARTICLE (Smithsonian Institute; Van Gogh’s use of fantasy and night visions): https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/van-goghs-night-visions-131900002/ • ARTICLE (The evolution of Van Gogh’s style): https://mymodernmet.com/vincent-van-gogh-life/ • ARTICLE (Common myths about Van Gogh): https://www.theartnewspaper.com/blog/ten-myths-about-van-gogh • VAN GOGH IN LONDON: https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/04/13/van-goghs-london-pilgrimage-from-writer-to-painter/
The Bedroom 1888
Poppy Field 1890
The Reaper 1889

Web Resources: Video

• BIOGRAPHY (Excellent 20-minute overview): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI2i5ca1RT4 • BIOGRAPHY (5-minute overview from Van Gogh Museum, Netherlands): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzMkLvPOTrc&t=41s • BIOGRAPHY (Excellent 54-minute biography from Documentary Channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swReZPger7U • BBC documentary “The Mystery of Van Gogh’s Ear” (58 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgMBRQLhgFE • VINCENT VAN GOGH VISITS THE GALLERY (A celebrated portion from the DOCTOR WHO series (2010) with Karen Gillan, Matt Smith, Bill Nighy, and Tony Curran as Van Gogh; 4 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubTJI_UphPk

Web Resources: Paintings

The Mulberry Tree in Autumn 1889
Starry Night Over the Rhone 1888
Van Gogh's paintings are important because of their powerful expression of emotion, unique style, and profound influence on modern art. His bold use of color, expressive brushwork, and emotionally charged subjects broke away from the conventions of his time, paving the way for movements like Expressionism and Fauvism. Here's a more detailed look at the significance of his work: 1. Emotional Intensity: Van Gogh's paintings are renowned for their ability to convey deep emotion. He wasn't just depicting what he saw, but rather his inner world, his joys, and his struggles. This is evident in his swirling brushstrokes and vibrant colors, which seem to vibrate with energy and passion. 2. Groundbreaking Style: Van Gogh's distinctive style, characterized by thick impasto (paint applied in layers) and expressive outlines, was a departure from the more realistic styles prevalent during his time. His approach influenced later artistic movements and continues to inspire artists today. 3. Influence on Modern Art: Van Gogh's work significantly impacted the development of modern art, particularly Expressionism and Fauvism. Artists were drawn to his bold use of color, emotional intensity, and unique approach to form and composition. 4. Personal Narrative: Through his paintings and letters, Van Gogh offers a glimpse into his personal struggles and his unique perspective on the world. His willingness to be vulnerable and express his inner turmoil resonates with audiences and continues to inspire a sense of connection and empathy. 5. Legacy of the "Tortured Artist": Van Gogh's life story, marked by poverty, mental illness, and early death, has been romanticized and mythologized, often portraying him as the quintessential "tortured artist". This narrative, while complex, has contributed to the enduring fascination with his work. 6. Enduring Popularity: Van Gogh's paintings are among the most recognizable and beloved works of art in the world. His art continues to be celebrated in museums, exhibitions, and popular culture, with his paintings achieving record-breaking prices at auctions.
AI generated; see: Daily Art Magazine, Wikipedia, Britannica

Web Resources: Drawings

Miners 1880
Pollard Birches 1884
Van Gogh's drawings are crucial to understanding his artistic development and process, even though they may not be as widely known as his paintings. He saw drawing as essential for practicing subjects, capturing on-the-spot impressions, planning compositions, and even translating paintings into drawings to share with others. These drawings provide insight into his artistic evolution, showcasing his exploration of motifs and techniques before committing them to canvas. 1. Practice and Exploration: Van Gogh used drawing to hone his skills and experiment with different subjects and perspectives. He would tackle a motif in a drawing before translating it into a painting, allowing him to refine his vision and technique. 2. Translating Paintings: He often made drawings after his paintings, using them as a way to share his latest work with his brother Theo and friends. This practice allowed him to communicate his artistic progress and ideas more broadly. 3. Understanding Artistic Process: The drawings offer a glimpse into Van Gogh's creative process, revealing how he approached subjects and developed his unique style. They show the evolution of his ideas and the steps he took to bring them to life in his paintings. 4. Complement to Paintings: While his paintings are celebrated for their vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, the drawings provide a more intimate and immediate connection to his artistic vision. They reveal the underlying structure and form that support his powerful canvases. 5. Early Stages of Iconic Works: Some of Van Gogh's most recognizable paintings began as drawings, offering a fascinating insight into the origins of his famous works. In essence, Van Gogh's drawings are not just preliminary sketches; they are a vital part of his artistic legacy, offering a deeper understanding of his creative journey and the development of his unique style.
AI generated; see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Nitram Charcoal, Van Gogh Studio, Wikipedia

Web Resources: Watercolors

Boats at Saintes-Marie 1888
“Mueles de ble” (Wheat Stacks) 1888
Van Gogh's watercolors, though not as widely known as his oil paintings, are a crucial part of his artistic development and offer unique insights into his creative process. They served as studies for larger works and showcase his evolving techniques and his profound connection with nature. Despite not always being considered masterpieces, they demonstrate a "soundness and truth" that Van Gogh himself valued, marking a significant step in his artistic journey. 1. Studies for Oil Paintings: Van Gogh frequently used watercolors as preparatory works for his oil paintings. They allowed him to experiment with composition, color, and light before committing to the more demanding medium of oil. 2. Capturing Nature: Van Gogh's watercolors demonstrate his deep love for the natural world. He often painted directly from nature, using the medium to capture the nuances of light, atmosphere, and the specific characteristics of the landscapes he encountered. 3. Evolution of Technique: Van Gogh's watercolors show his artistic growth, particularly in his use of color and brushwork. His exploration of color theory and his distinctive style are evident in these works. 4. Unique Artistic Voice: While not as famous as his oil paintings, Van Gogh's watercolors are a vital part of his overall body of work. They offer a glimpse into his artistic mindset and his ongoing quest to express his unique vision of the world. 5. Value in Auctions: Although often overlooked, Van Gogh's watercolors have recently garnered attention at auction, with pieces like "Haystacks near a Farm" selling for impressive sums. This demonstrates the growing recognition of their artistic merit and historical significance.
AI generated; see: Cleveland Art Museum, The Vincent Van Gogh Gallery, Van Gogh Studio, Van Gogh Museum

The Many Loves of Vincent

“It’s not the first time I couldn’t resist that feeling of affection, particularly love and affection for those women whom the clergymen damn so and superciliously despise and condemn from the pulpit.” To Theo from Etten, around 23 December 1881
Sien with Cigar Sitting on the Floor near Stove 1882
The Brothel 1887
Van Gogh's love life, though marked by unrequited love and unconventional relationships, played a significant role in shaping his artistic expression and personal struggles. His yearning for connection, often intertwined with idealization and a desire to help others, fueled both his artistic vision and his emotional turmoil. 1. Impact on Artistic Themes:a. Idealization and Longing: His idealized view of women and his yearning for love and companionship are reflected in his paintings, particularly in his depictions of couples and romantic scenes, even when those relationships were fictional or idealized. b. Social Commentary: His relationships with women like Sien, a former prostitute, highlight his socialist leanings and his interest in depicting the lives of the working class and those on the margins of society. c. Emotional Depth: His romantic disappointments and struggles with mental health are evident in the emotional intensity and raw honesty of his artwork. 2. Personal Struggles and Motivation:a. Unrequited Love: Van Gogh experienced numerous rejections and unrequited love affairs, which deeply affected him and contributed to his emotional instability. b. Social Isolation: His unconventional choices and the disapproval of his family and society often led to social isolation and loneliness, which he often expressed in his letters and art. c. Search for Connection: Despite the difficulties, Van Gogh consistently sought love, companionship, and a sense of belonging, indicating a deep-seated need for human connection that fueled his artistic drive. 3. Influence on His Relationship with Theo:a. Letters as Emotional Outlet: His correspondence with his brother Theo reveals the depth of his emotional struggles and his reliance on Theo for support and understanding. Van Gogh's romantic aspirations and disappointments were frequent topics in these letters.b. Dependence on Theo: His reliance on Theo for financial and emotional support, including his romantic pursuits, is evident in their correspondence. In summary, while Van Gogh's love life was often marked by setbacks and unconventional choices, it was a crucial part of his personal narrative and artistic development. His experiences with love, loss, and longing deeply influenced his artistic themes, emotional intensity, and his relationship with his brother Theo.
AI generated: Van Gogh Museum, Van Gogh Studio, Wikipedia.

Van Gogh's Spirituality

The Angel, after Rembrandt 1889
The Raising of Lazarus, after Rembrandt 1890
Van Gogh's spirituality, though distinct from traditional Christian dogma, was deeply intertwined with his art, particularly in his later works. He sought to express spiritual truths through his paintings, often using nature as a conduit to depict divine presence and love. His use of symbolism, such as blue for God's presence and yellow for God's love, and his exploration of themes like the cycle of life and death, reveal a unique spiritual vision that continues to resonate with audiences today. 1. Nature as a Spiritual Lens: Van Gogh's spirituality wasn't confined to traditional religious spaces. He found God in the natural world, viewing wheat fields, sunflowers, and cypress trees as expressions of divine power and beauty. 2. Symbolism in Art: He employed specific symbols to convey his spiritual ideas. For instance, blue represented God's presence, and yellow symbolized God's love, which can be seen in his iconic "Starry Night". He also used symbols like the sower, sheaves of wheat, and butterflies to represent spiritual transformation and the cycle of life and death. 3. Beyond the Church: While Van Gogh had a complex relationship with the church, he believed God's presence could be found in the natural world and through acts of love and compassion. His paintings often depicted the beauty of creation and the human experience, rather than focusing on traditional religious iconography. 4. Spiritual Depth in Artistic Technique: Van Gogh's distinctive artistic style, with its bold colors and thick brushstrokes, was not merely aesthetic but also a means of expressing spiritual energy and emotion. He sought to capture the divine within the materiality of the world, using his art as a form of visual preaching. 5. Resonance with Modern Audiences: Van Gogh's spiritual vision, though rooted in his personal experiences and beliefs, continues to resonate with modern audiences because it speaks to universal human experiences and longings for meaning and connection. His art offers a way to explore spirituality outside of traditional religious frameworks and to find God in the beauty and complexity of the everyday world.
AI generated; see: Jacob A. Davis, The Los Angeles Times, The Collector.