Vincent Gogh

Vincent Gogh (Vincent Willem van Gogh) or most often referred to as Vincent van Gogh, was born: March 30, 1853, in Groot-Zundert, southern Netherlands. It should be noted that "van" was not his middle name as in it`s respective language it means "of", meaning Vincent was of the Gogh family. Vincent Gogh was regarded as a Post-Impressionist. He was the son of a minister. In 1869, Vincent started work for the art dealers, "Goupil and Co." in The Hague. Later, Vincent worked as a schoolmaster in England. As an artist, van Gogh was mostly self taught. His first works attempted to represent the life of the poor. Vincent moved to Paris in 1886. Van Gogh moved to Arles in 1888 where he was joined briefly by Gauguin. Here Vincent became a voluntary patient at the St. Remy asylum in 1889. He moved to Auvers in 1890. When he died, Vincent van Gogh had sold only one work, The Red Vineyard. The painting was sold for 400 francs in February 1890. The purchaser was Anne Boch, who was also a painter.

Work of Vincent van Gogh:
Many of the works on Vincent Van Gogh have not survived. Those lost are mostly from his school days.

Vincent van Gogh, life March 30, 1853 to July 29, 1890.
Vincent during his life painted and drew what is now regarded as part of the most expensive and best known art in the wold. During his early years, Vincent Van Gogh worked for a company that were dealers in art. Later, after spending a short time teaching, Vincent Van Gogh then worked as a missionary. It was not until 1880, that Van Gogh finally started his artistic life.

In the beginning, van Gogh tended to work only with very sombre colours. But when Vincent was in Paris he discovered Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism his colors sand style changed. Vincent Van Gogh started to use the brighter colors and styles into his own unique style. While Van Gogh stayed in Arles, France, this became more developed.

During his life, Vincent Van Gogh completed in excess of two thousand works, which included about nine-hundred paintings and just over one-thousand drawings and sketches. It was during the final two years of van Gogh`s life that art experts believe he did his best work. It was during these two years that Van Gogh cut off a part of the left ear. However, some people think that Vincent may have been suffering from Tinnitus. Vincent Van Gogh suffered severe problems with mental illness and this eventually led him to take his own life. His brother Theo was the main figure in Vincent van Gogh`s life. It was Theo that provided strong financial support to Vincent during his years as an artist. From August 1872 in their life, they exchanged numerous letters. These letters provide us with vast information about both their lives. Van Gogh was one of the founders of what became titled Expressionism. Vincent Van Gogh is regarded as having strongly influenced the art of the 20th century.

Vincent van Gogh Biography

Early life of Vincent van Gogh, years 1853 to 1869:
Vincent Willem van Gogh was born in Groot-Zundert, southern Netherlands. It was a small village that was near to Breda in the Province of North Brabant. Vincent`s father was Theodorus van Gogh and his mother was Anna Cornelia Carbentus. Vincent received the name of his grandfather. It was also the name his parents had given to their stillborn child a year earlier. Some people have suggested that because of this, it may have a emotional effect on Vincent. But in those days it was not an uncommon practise. The baby's grandfather was called Vincent van Gogh (1789-1874). Grandfather Vincent also had a son called Vincent. It is likely that grandfather Vincent had been given his name from his father's uncle, Vincent van Gogh (1729-1802), who was a sculptor. Then four years after Vincent Van Gogh was born, his brother Theodorus (Theo) was born on 1 May 1857. There was also another brother named Cor and three sisters, Anna, Elisabeth, and Wil. Vincent Van Gogh studied at school in 1860. The school had a few hundred pupils. Then from 1861, a governess taught both Vincent Van Gogh and sister Anna. Then in 1864, Vincent attended boarding school in the Netherlands. Vincent became very upset about leaving the family behind. He even recalled this in his adult years. Vincent Van Gogh entered the Willem II College in Tilburg on 15 September 1866. During March 1868 Vincent suddenly abandoned his studies and returned back home.

Art dealer and preacher, years 1869 to 1878, Vincent van Gogh Biography:
By 1869, at just fifteen years old, Vincent Van Gogh had gained a position at the art dealer Goupil & Cie in The Hague. It was his Uncle Vincent ("Cent") who helped Vincent get the job. After training, Vincent was transferred to London in 1873. It was a good period in the life for the young Van Gogh. Vincent was good at his work and earned good money. Vincent became attracted to Eugénie Loyer, the landlady`s daughter. But she rejected Vincent, as Eugénie was already engaged. It was around this time, Vincent Van Gogh became very passionate about religion. Vincent was sent to Paris by his Father and Uncle. Here Vincent became angry at the treatment of art. This Vincent started to relay to his customers. Due to this, Vincent should have his employment cancelled. Vincent developed such strong religious emotions that he thought this would be his life. Vincent went back to England and did unpaid work. He volunteered in a boarding school in Ramsgate where he was a supply teacher. While here Van Gogh made drawings of the harbour in Ramsgate. Later, when the school proprietor shifted to Isleworth, Vincent Van Gogh walked the entire distance there. However, this employment failed and Vincent went on to work an assistant to a Methodist Minister. Vincent returned home where he was employed in a bookstore. But Vincent Van Gogh was unhappy in this job. He generally hung around the shop where he did sketches or translating. In May 1977, Vincent to Amsterdam. Here, Vincent Van Gogh stayed with his uncle. Vincent Van Gogh spent his time studied for the theology entrance exam to University. His uncle was theologian Johannes Stricker. But Vincent Van Gogh did not do any good and abandoned them the study. By July 1878, Vincent had left his uncles house. Vincent then attended, but failed, a three-month course at the Protestant missionary school in Laeken.


This photo of Vincent Gogh was taken ca.1871-1872.

Brussels and Borinage, years 1879 to 1880, of Vincent van Gogh Biography:
By January 1879, Vincent was in Petit Wasmes, doing missionary work. Vincent lived in the same way as those he was preaching to. Van Gogh shared their difficulties in life by sleeping on the straw at the rear of a house. It was said that Vincent cried at night. But church was unhappy to learn of this and dismissed Vincent. Vincent then walked all the way to Brussels. For a while Vincent went to the Borinage. But after influence from his family, Vincent went back to Etten. Vincent lived there till March the next year. But Vincent was having problems. His father went so far as enquiring to have Vincent committed. Vincent left in a hurry and went to Cuesmes until October. Van Gogh became very intrigued by life around him. He recorded this in his drawings. It was in 1880 that Vincent took the advice of Theo, and started his life as an artist. Vincent arrived in Brussels. Here Van Gogh studied with Willem Roelofs. Willem convinced Van Gogh to study at the Royal Academy of Art.

Etten, year 1881, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
Van Gogh joined his parents in Etten in April 1881. Vincent`s neighbours volunteered to be subjects for his drawings. Though Vincent spent with his cousin Kee. She already had a son and was older then Van Gogh. The two walked and talked and became close. Kee refused a marriage proposal from Vincent. But Van Gogh persisted by writing a letter to her father. Vincent even travelled all the way to Amsterdam to talk with her father, but Kee did not want to speak to Vincent. Kee`s parents became annoyed with Van Gogh. Her father told Vincent in clear terms that he would never be allowed to marry his daughter. He reminded Vincent of his poor financial situation. Van Gogh viewed this as hypocrisy on the Uncles part. During Christmas went to for The Hague after having a bitter argument with his Father.

Drenthe and The Hague, years 1881 to 1883, Vincent van Gogh Biography:
By January 1882 Vincent was living in The Hague. The painter Anton Mauve, was his cousin-in-law. He gave Vincent strong support. Anton encouraged Vincent towards painting. But Van Gogh and Anton had a falling apart. Anton stopped replying to Vincent`s letters. Vincent thought Mauve may have learnt of his new relationship with Sien. But Vincent's father was angry on learning this news. He wanted Vincent to break the relationship. However, Vincent refused. Twenty ink drawings were commissioned from Vincent by his uncle Cornelis. He had completed them before the start of June. Vincent contracted gonorrhoea in June and was admitted to hospital. By that summer, Vincent started to use oil paints. By autumn 1883, Vincent abandoned Sien and her two children. After Vincent had abandoned her, Sien had her mother take care of her daughter. Her brother took care of baby Willem. Sien then shifted to Antwerp. Sien later in life stated that Vincent Van Gogh was the baby`s father. Willem always believed that Vincent was his father. Vincent Van Gogh shifted to the northern Netherlands, and stayed in the province of Drenthe. But Vincent became very lonely, so by December he moved in with family in Nuenen.

Nuenen, years 1883 to 1885, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
During his time in Nuenen, Vincent concentrated on his drawings. He met a Margot Begemann who started to accompany Vincent during his painting expeditions. It seems they fell in love and planned marriage. This however was opposed by the families. Margot was devestated and attempted suicide. It was Van Gogh that took Margot to hosptial. Vincent came under a lot of emotional pressure at this time as his father passed away on 26 March 1888. Vincent was in deep depression. Through all this sorrow however, so good news did arrive in that a strong interest was developing in Paris his work. It was during that spring that Van Gogh painted, The Potato Eaters. Then Leurs, in The Hague, an art dealer, displayed some of Van Gogh`s works in their window. During September the village Priest accused Vincent of getting a young peasant sitter pregnant. At this time Van Gogh's palette was sombre. His brother Theo told vincent of the darkness of his works which was not popular around that era. Van Gogh completed some 200 oil paintings during the two years he lived in Nuenen.

Antwerpen, years 1885 to 1886, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
Van Gogh moved to Antwerpen in 1885. Here Vincent boaded above the paint dealer's shop. Due to a lack of finances Vincent suffered a poor diet. His brother Theo sent him money, but Vincent mostly used this on his art materials. During his stay in Antwerpen Vincent concentrated to the study of colour theory and spent time studying the works in museums. From here he gained courage to expand the palette to emerald green, cobalt and carmine. While in the docklands Vincent discovered Japanese Ukiyo-e woodcuts. Van Gogh started using these. It was during his stay in Antwerpen that Vincent also developed a drinking problem. Around this time Van Gogh recieved reatment possibly for syphilis. During January 1886, Van Gogh matriculated at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Antwerpen.

Paris, France, years 1886 to 1888, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
Van Gogh shifted to Paris during March 1886 and started his studies at Fernand Cormon's studio. During the month of May his sister and mother shifted to Breda. Vincent and Theo lived together at 54 rue Lepic on the third floor. These days a small plaque commemorates his stay. We have little information about this period of Vincents life because as the two brothers were living together they were not exchanging letters. Vincent worked for a few months at the Cormon's studio. Here Van gogh made friends with other students such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Émile Bernard. They often met at art store which Julien "Père" Tanguy`s managed. Here one could view the works of Paul Cézanne. During this time there was a lot of Impressionist works in Paris. The works of Paul Signac and Georges Seurat were very popular at this time. Vincents brother Theo, who had the gallery on Boulevard Montmarte, kept a collection of paintings from Impressionist artists. Vincent however had difficulty with this new style. Theo and Vincent often found themsleves in conflict. But the brothers eventually made peace. Van Gogh went to Asnières and met with Paul Signac. At this time Van Gogh and Emile Bernard started to take on elements of the "pointillé" style. It was during November 1887 that Vincent and his brother Theo became friends with Paul Gauguin. Later that year, Van Gogh arranged for an exhibition of paintings. Van Gogh exchanged works with Gauguin. By the time Van Gogh had left Paris during February, he had completed more then 200 paintings in his stay there.

Arles, from February 1888 to May 1889, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
On February 21, Vincent finally arrived in Arles. Van Gogh then took up lodgings at the the Hôtel-Restaurant Carrel, 30 Rue Cavalerie. Vincent had thoughts of forming a Utopian type art colony. Vincent started to paint the local landscapes. During the yealy show of the Société des Artistes Indépendants, three of Van Gogh`s paintings were displayed. Dodge MacKnight, a painter from the United States, made a visit to Van Gogh in April. Vincent on may 1st rented four rooms at No. 2 Place Lamartine. He paid the monthy price of fifeteen francs. Van Gogh referred to it as the, Yellow House. Vincent was unable to move in as the place was unfurnished. So on a tempory basis, Van Gogh stayed at the Hôtel Restaurant Carrel in the Rue de la Cavalerie till the yellow house was ready. Vincent disputed what he thought were excessive charges and won a reduction. Van Gogh soom shifted to the Café de la Gare. It was here that Van Gogh formed a very close friendship with the proprietors, Joseph and Marie Ginoux. Although it had not yet been fully furnished, Vincent used the Yellow House as his studio. Van Gogh started on some works which he intended to use as decorations for the House. During the end of May, Vincent made a visit to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Here Van Gogh made drawings of the boats on the shore which he later used as a basis for some paintings. They soon became friends. Van Gogh was introduced to Belgian painter, Eugène Boch. Gauguin decided he would go to Arles to visit Van Gogh. It was during the month of August that Vincent painted sunflowers. Boch made a visit to see Van Gogh. Vincent stayed his first night on September 17 in the Yellow House. Paul Gauguin made it to Arles on October 23. Van Gogh had made numerous requests for Gauguin to visit. By the month of November they were painting together. It was during this time, that under prompting from Gauguin, Van Gogh started to paint a few works from memory. It was at Alyscamps that the two first painted outdoors together. The Red Vineyard was painted by Van Gogh around this time. Van Gogh and Gauguin made a visit to Montpellier in December to view the works of other artists. But by now, the friendship was becoming hostile and they often argued about art. Vincent thought Gauguin was about to leave. By the 23 December, things had started to get out of control. Vincent had a blade and was threatening Gauguin. Van Gogh hacked off some of his ear. Van Gogh then wrapped the ear lobe in newspaper. He gave the ear lobe to Rachel, a prostitute. Paul Gauguin departed and the two never saw each other after that. Vincent who was in a desperate states was placed in hospitalised. Gauguin notified Theo of what had happened. Theo and Madame Ginoux visited Vincent. Vincent went back to the Yellow House in January 1889. Vincent spent the next month going between home and hospital. Van Gogh was having hallucinations and suffering paranoia. Some of the local townspeople took up a petition and the police had to remove Vincent from his house. While Vincent was in hospital he was visited by Signac and allowed to leave. When heavy rains caused damage to his house, Vincent had to move.

Saint Remy-de-Provence, France, years May 1889 to May 1890, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
The Reverend Salles accompanied Vincent Van Gogh on 8 May 1889 to the mental hospital of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole where Vincent was comitted. The mental hospital was run by Dr. Théophile Peyron. The hospital was located a bit more then a mile out of town. The area was surrounded by cornfields, olive trees and vineyards. Vincent had the use of two small rooms. One room Van Gogh used for his art studio, the other his bedroom. Both rooms had barred windows. Vincent completed around 130 paintings here. The main focus of the works of Van Gogh at this time were the garden and clinic. Van Gogh did a number of paintings of the Olive Trees that were situated near the walls of the hospital. Van Gogh often took to taking walks around the compound. Vincent started to paint interpretations of Millet's paintings. He also did paintings of some of his earlier works. It was during here that much of Van Gogh`s work became characterised by swirls. This is evident in the painting, The Starry Night. Albert Aurier heaped praise on Van Gogh in the Mercure de France in January 1890. Aurier called Van Gogh a genius. During february, Van Gogh was invited by Les XX, a society of avant-garde painters in Brussels, Van Gogh took part in their yearly art exhibition. But during the opening, Henry de Groux was very critical of the work of Vincent Van Gogh. It was fellow artist Toulouse-Lautrec who defended Van Gogh. Signac stated that he would continue to fight for Van Gogh's honour. During the Artistes Indépendants in Paris exhibition, where Vincent`s works were on display, Claude Monet stated that Van Gogh`s were the best of the show.

Auvers-sur-Oise, years May to July 1890, and Vincent van Gogh Biography:
Vincent departed from the clinic during May 1890. From there he went to Dr. Paul Gachet. Here Vincent could be close to Theo. It was fellow painter Pissarro who had recommended Dr. Gachet to Van Gogh. Dr. Gachet had provided treatment for a number of artists in the past. It is interesting to note that Van Gogh at first thought that Gachet was more sick. As their friendship developed, Van Gogh went on to paint two oil portraits of Dr. Gachet. Van Gogh also did a third his only etching. When we look at these works of Dr. Gachet, they all focus on his melancholic disposition. During Van Gogh`s final few week his thoughts turned to past memories. During his two months in Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh did approximately 70 oils. During the last few weeks of his life, Vincent started using a double square canvas-size for his paintings. "Wheat Field with Crows" is an example of this. Much of Van Gogh`s final weeks were spent looking through the barred windows. It may be that "Daubigny's Garden" was the last work of VincenT Van Gogh. A number of unfinished paintings were left by Vincent. The exact chronology of the final works of Van Gogh remains unknown. Vincent had became more depressed during his stay. Then on July 27, Van Gogh went to the fields where he shot himself. Despite being fatally wounded, Vincent was able to make his way back to his room and eventualy passed away. His brother Theo rushed to be by his side.

Theo was sick with syphilis and was placed in hospital. Theo died 25 January in Utrecht. Theo's body was buried next to his brother Vincent in 1914.

The Legacy of Vincent van Gogh:
Vincent Van Gogh gained recognition very slowly. It may be said his real fame came after his death. A number of memorial exhibitions were held in Antwerp, Brussels, Parisand the Hague after the death of Van Gogh. Soon after more exhibitions of the workds of Vincent Van Gogh followed. Then a series of retrospectives were held in Paris (1901 and 1905), Amsterdam (1905), Cologne (1912), New York City (1913) and Berlin (1914). Vincent van Gogh over time has also been the subject or inspiration for a number musical works. In 1971, the Don McLean's 1971 ballad "Vincent" became a worldwide best seller.

Paintings of Vincent van Gogh:
Van Gogh always signed his paintings as just, "Vincent". He wrote a letter dated 24 March 1888 to his brother Theo in which Vincent stipulated that only the name, "Vincent" be used in catalogues for his works.

Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh

Starry Night Over the Rhone

The Night Café by Vincent van Gogh

The Yellow House

Cafe Terrace at Night

The Red Vineyard

Bedroom in Arles

Irises by Vincent van Gogh

Ivy by Vincent van Gogh

Portrait of Dr. Gachet

The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh

Wheat Field with Crows

At Eternity's Gate

Self Portraits by Vincent van Gogh

View of Arles, Orchards In Blossom

The Church at Auvers

White House at Night

Farms near Auvers

Daubigny's Garden by Vincent van Gogh

Les Arènes by Vincent van Gogh

Portrait of Madame Ginoux

The Roulin Family

Almond Branches in Bloom

Harvest at Arles

The Sower by Vincent van Gogh

Wheatfield, with Cypresses

Peach Tree in Bloom at Arles

Fishing Boats on the Beach at Saintes-Maries

The Olive Grove by Vincent van Gogh

Houses at Auvers

Poppies by Vincent van Gogh

Flower Beds in Holland

Mulberry Tree by Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh's Chair

Wheat Field with a Lark

Midday Rest by Vincent van Gogh

Olive Trees by Vincent van Gogh

Blossoming Almond Branch

Landscape with Olive Trees

Garden in Bloom, Arles

The Harvester by Vincent van Gogh

Vase of Irises Against a Yellow Background

Wheatfield under a Cloudy Sky

Two Cut Sunflowers

The Drawbridge at Arles with a Group of Washerwomen

Landing Stage with Boats

Seascape at Saintes-Maries

Vase of Flowers

First Steps by Vincent van Gogh

Street in Auvers

Les Alpilles by Vincent van Gogh

Vase with Oleanders and Books

Allee des Alyscamps

The Stevedores in Arles

Veduta di Auvers

Jardin des Peupliers

The Road Menders

Sunny Meadow in Arles by Vincent van Gogh

Field of Poppies, Auvers-Sur-Oise

Still Life of Shoes

Terrace and Observation Deck at the Moulin

Wheatfield and Mountains

Prisoner's Exercising by Vincent van Gogh

Cornfields Near Arles

Farmhouse in Provence

Landscape with Green Corn

The Asylum Garden at Arles

Peach Blossoms in the Crau

Long Grass with Butterflies

The Lowlands at Auvers-Sur-Oise

Two Little Girls by Vincent van Gogh

View of Arles with Irises

Autumn Garden by Vincent van Gogh

House and Figure

Lane of Poplars at Sunset

Apples by Vincent van Gogh

The Promenade, Evening

Trees in the Garden at Saint-Paul Hospital

Blossoming Chestnut Branches

The Window at Bataille's

Pollarded Willow and Sunset

La Roubine Du Roi

Fishing in the Spring, Pont de Clichy

Boats to Rent by Vincent van Gogh

Restaurant de La Sirene at Asnieres

Stairway at Auvers

Interior of a Restaurant

Sheaves of Corn Near a Farmhouse

Caravans Encampment of Gypsies

Vineyards at Auvers by Vincent van Gogh

The Trinquetaille Bridge

The Moulin de La Galette

Couple in the Park, Arles

The Dance Hall at Arles

Oat Field with a View of Arles

Cows by Vincent Van Gogh

Farmhouses at Saintes-Maries

Enclosed Field with Ploughman

Rain at Auvers by Vincent Van Gogh

Pieta by Vincent Van Gogh

Evening, The End of the Day

The Yellow Books

Pleasure Gardens at Montmartre

Portrait of Dr. Felix Rey

The Peat Boat by Vincent Van Gogh

A Young Scheveningen Woman Knitting

The Bench at Saint-Remy

The Arena at Arles

Marguerite Gachet at the Piano

Labourer and Peasant Planting Potatoes

A Novel Reader by Vincent Van Gogh

Still Life of Paintbrushes in a Flowerpot

Peasant Woman Against a Background of Wheat

Still Life with Absinthe

Quarry on Montmartre

Crown Imperial Fritillaries in a Copper Vase

Four Cut Sunflowers

Vestibule of the Asylum, Saint-Remy

Quotes by Vincent Van Gogh:

A good picture is equivalent to the good deed.

Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination, do not become the slave of your model.

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

Great things are done by many small things brought together.

I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.

There is no blue without yellow and without orange.

I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.

I often think that the night is more alive and more richly coloured than the day.

I see drawings and pictures in the poorest of huts and the dirtiest of corners.

Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the soul of the painter.

Paints and Colours of Vincent van Gogh:

When Van Gogh first started painting his palette was more sombre and earth colours. Early on we see Vincent use colours such as olive green, raw umber and raw sienna. But later on his palette changed as did his painting style. As Van Gogh became expossed to the impressionists, his palette changed to include the more vibrant colours of the period. These included: carmine, chrome lemon, chrome yellow light, chrome oxide green, chrome yellow medium, chrome orange, cobalt blue, emerald green, geranium, lead white, prussian blue, vandyck brown, vermillion, viridian, yellow ocher and zinc white.

Paintings of Vincent van Gogh

Black Chalk Drawings by Vincent van Gogh:

Peasant Woman Gleaning

Other articles regarding the life of Vincent van Gogh:

Montmartre and Vincent Van Gogh

Theo van Gogh Biography

Painting Styles of Vincent van Gogh:

The painting style of Van Gogh can be said to be unique, changing and adaptive. If we look at his paintings from start to finish, its like reading his biography. Vincent painted what was happening around him every day. He painted himself, other people, places he lived, ate and visited. Van Gogh did not have much schooling in art, he mostly just taught himself, learning as he went. Vincent prefered to use machine produced linen that was very fine with a ground that would absorb oil. He probably sometimes worked with a gridded perspective frame. Van Gogh painted fast with a kind of urgency to his work. He painted straight from the tube. He often used impasto brush strokes. Vincent often restricted the use of colours in his paintings.

This website is dedicated to the life of Vincent Gogh