Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who became one of the most influential figures in Western art.
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who became one of the most influential figures in Western art. Born in Zundert, the Netherlands, he produced a large body of work in a short career and is especially known for expressive brushwork and vivid colour. He died in 1890 at age 37 in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.
Early life
Vincent Willem van Gogh was born on 30 March 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands. He came from a Dutch Reformed family; his father was a pastor.
Artistic career
Van Gogh decided to become an artist at age 27 and created most of his work over the following decade. His paintings are known for strong colour, emotional intensity, and bold brushwork.
Death and legacy
Van Gogh died in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, in 1890 after a gunshot wound to the chest. His reputation grew after his death, and he is now one of the best-known artists in modern art history.
Works and style
His best-known paintings include The Starry Night, Sunflowers, Irises, and The Potato Eaters. He is associated with Post-Impressionism and is often discussed for his expressive approach to colour and form.
Key facts
- Van Gogh is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Post-Impressionist painters.
- He was born in Zundert in the southern Netherlands.
- His artistic career lasted about a decade, from roughly 1880 to 1890.
- He produced more than 800 paintings and 700 drawings; some estimates place his total output at around 2,100 works.
- He died in 1890 after shooting himself in the chest; he died two days later.
Van Gogh is studied widely in Canadian art education and is a major figure in museum collections and exhibitions familiar to Canadian audiences.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Vincent van Gogh?
How did van Gogh die?
What is van Gogh famous for?
How many paintings did van Gogh make?
Did van Gogh cut off his ear?
Where is van Gogh from?
References
- Van Gogh Museum — https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/art/vincent-van-goghSupports: Birth, nationality, and overview as a Dutch artist
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vincent-van-GoghSupports: Biography, birthplace, death place, and status as a major Post-Impressionist painter
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Vincent-van-GoghSupports: Output estimates and artistic summary
- National Gallery — https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/vincent-van-goghSupports: Death circumstances and reputation
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/vincent-van-gogh-1853-1890Supports: Career length, output, and death details
- Tate Kids — https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/artists/who-vincent-van-goghSupports: General fame, total artworks estimate, birthplace, and death by suicide
- Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/artists/a64284924/vincent-van-gogh-factsSupports: Ear-cutting clarification and death by suicide