Van Gogh was born Vincent Willem van Gogh on March 30, 1853 in Zundert, North Brabant, Netherlands. He started drawing as a young child, and he was serious and quiet. As he grew up, he traveled more when he became an art dealer. He did, however, become depressed as he got older. He was then transferred to London, where he turned to religion and became a Protestant missionary in Belgium.
He had psychotic episodes and delusions when he became much older. Though he worried about his mental stability, he neglected his physical condition, did not eat properly, and drank heavily.
His friendship with Paul Gauguin ended after he cut off part of his left ear during a fit of rage. He was put in many psychiatric hospitals, including
time at Saint-Remy. He discharged himself and went to Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise near Paris. His depression got worse and worse and on July 27, 1890, Van Gogh shot himself with a revolver, dying from injuries two days later.
He was unsiccessful in his life, and he was publicly considered a madman. He became famous after death, and he is seen as a misunderstood genius in his era.
The artist where his madness and creativity combine. His most famous work as of today is "The Starry Night". This painting is a view of outside his window in Arles. |
