Vincent Van Gogh

Born on March 30, 1953 in Holland, Van Gogh is known as tremendously talented painter who was highly insecure and very emotional. He was raised in a very religious atmosphere which influenced his paintings.

In 1886 Van Gogh joined his brother Theo, the manager of Goupil's gallery, in Paris. He studied with Cormon met Pissarro, Monet and Gauguin and began to paint in color, which became his symbol of expression. He was a difficult companion and along nights plus all day painting undermined his health. Gauguin joined Van Gogh in Arles, but after an incident with an open razor, Van Gogh cut off a portion of his ear lobe, Gauguin left his friend. Van Gogh suffered from fits of madness and was sent to an asylum in Saint-Remy.

In 1890 Van Gogh was released to Dr. Gauchet. He seemed much better and his painting carried on. However, two months later Van Gogh shot himself "for the good of all." He only sold one painting during his lifetime, but his finest works were painted between 1881 and 1890 when he created nearly 900 works. Van Gogh's work is symbolized by impassioned brushstrokes, intense color and surface tensions. His fusing of content and form is dramatic, imaginative and highly emotional. His madness comes out in wonderful renditions and the spiritual essence of man and nature. His most well-known paintings Starry Night, Sunflowers, Irises, Poppies, Blossoming Almond Tree and the Potato Eaters today are worth millions.