The tortured artist -Vincent Van Gogh

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The Dutch painter was 37 years old when he shot himself to death, being unfulfilled with life. In his whole career, he sold only one painting for a mere 400 francs, seven months prior to his death. Gogh never admired his artworks, and often thought of it as failure.

?A century later, he’s still one of the most celebrated artists of the 90’s. His popular creations- “sunflowers”, “starry nights” and “Wheatfield”, even today are honored all around the globe.

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His painting “The Starry Night” is housed in the Museum of Modern Arts. It was an attempt to capture the view from his window while he was staying at the Saint-Paul asylum in France, having mental health issues. He showcased the scenery through the barred window showing varied days and varied times of his life.

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Born to a country minister and an artist, he was the eldest of six children. His younger brother Theo, who later became an art dealer was his primary, and often sole supporter of his art.

Initially, he decided to complete schooling and become a minister, just like his father. Later he worked as a missionary in the mines of Belgium where he experienced a spiritual awakening that made him live as a pauper. But soon he was discharged from his position by the church authorities due to misappropriation.

After experiencing several failed occupations, he started working for his uncle’s art dealing company. Gogh did not begin painting until his late 20s. Later, within a span of 10 years, he painted almost 900 paintings- which meant on average a new piece every 36 hours.

Gogh’s work was passed on to his brother Theo, but later he killed himself. Theo’s widow Johanna Van Gogh was the one who inherited Vincent’s works as well as the letters passed on by beloved brothers and continued his legacy.

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We are all aware that he lived in a mental disturbance. At times his illness was quite severe whether having constant hallucinations or seizures. He once said, “I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process”.

Despite belonging to a privileged house, he lived a poor and unhealthy lifestyle. Van Gogh was never seen without a pipe in his hand or a glass of alcohol on his table.

In his 30’s his health became bad to worse. In a letter to Theo, he mentioned having only six hot meals all year long. He overworked himself, it was no surprise that he was also regularly sick, and at a later stage, his teeth felt loose.

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The story behind van Gogh’s ear has never been confirmed. Regardless of the popular version, some historians believe that Gauguin, his close friend, was the one to blame. In the pictures, it’s depicted that his whole ear is separated but it is likely that he only sliced off a part of the ear lobe.

The most widely accepted ending to the Van Gogh story was that he shot himself in the woods. However, some believe that it was an attempt by a local teen who tried to provoke him.

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“The sadness will last forever” were the heartbreaking ending words said by the artist to his brother. ?