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Vincent Van Gogh Facts

Vincent Van Gogh Facts
Vincent Van Gogh was a post-impressionist painter in the 1800s most well-known for his paintings Sunflowers, Starry Night, Sorrow, and for his self-portraits. He was born Vincent Willem van Gogh on March 30th, 1853, in Groot-Zundert, Netherlands, to Theodorus van Gogh a country minister, and Anna Cornelia Carbentus, an artist. His family struggled financially while he was growing up, and at 15 Vincent had to quit school to start working. He got a job with his uncle, an art dealer. Vincent was transferred to London to the Groupil Gallery in 1973 where he became a fan of Dickens and Eliot. He fell in love with Eugenie Loyer, who rejected his marriage proposal and broke his heart. After attempting unsuccessfully to become a preacher he decided to become an artist.
Interesting Vincent Van Gogh Facts:
Vincent Van Gogh was denied entrance to Amsterdam's School of Theology when he declared Latin a dead language of the poor.
Vincent Van Gogh worked as a preacher in the coal mines until his contract with the church was not renewed and he had to choose another career.
In 1880 Vincent Van Gogh moved to Brussels and his younger brother Theo supported him financially while Vincent studied art.
Vincent had no luck in love. His first proposal had left him heartbroken. He then fell in love with a widow who fled his attention, and then fell in love with a prostitute, who became his model and companion.
Van Gogh's family forced him to end the relationship with the prostitute/model, and he left to draw and paint and travel.
In 1885 Vincent Van Gogh painted his first masterpiece "Potato Eaters".
Van Gogh moved to Paris and began to be inspired by impressionism's light and color. He also began to study Japanese art and eastern philosophy.
Vincent moved to the south of France to "The Yellow House", where he ate poorly to afford paint supplies.
It is believed that Vincent Van Gogh sipped turpentine while living in "The Yellow House" and may have eaten paint, which contributed to his declining health, both physically and psychologically.
Van Gogh's brother Theo sent Paul Gauguin to watch over him, but they argued too much and Gauguin walked out.
The night Gauguin walked out Van Gogh cut off his ear with a razor and offered it to a prostitute. He was admitted to the hospital the next morning.
Vincent was released from the hospital he could not find peace, and spent his days painting at "The Yellow House" and nights at the hospital.
Vincent moved to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum and continued to paint. In 1889 Vincent Van Gogh exhibited "Starry Night", and "Irises".
Vincent went to live with Dr. Paul Gachet, who had agreed to help him, at his home.
In 1890 Van Gogh's brother Theo sold his painting "The Red Vineyards" for 400 francs.
After misunderstanding his brother about finances, and thinking that Theo no longer wished to sell his art, Vincent Van Gogh shot himself in the chest. He did not die until two days later, on June 29th, 1890. He was 37.
Vincent Van Gogh became famous soon after his death when his sister-in-law had his art displayed.
Van Gogh is known as the second greatest Dutch painter in history, following Rembrandt.
Vincent Van Gogh's painting "Irises" sold for $53.9 million and "Portrait of Dr. Gachet" sold for $82.5 million.
The painting "The Yellow House" is on display at the Van Gogh Museum.
Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most celebrated artists in history, best known for his landscapes and flower paintings, such as "Sunflowers".


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