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On July 29th, art lovers and lovers of impressionism commemorated the 129th anniversary of the death of the brilliant painter Vincent van Gogh. He is undoubtedly considered the greatest Dutch painter of all time and is one of the leading representatives of the post-impressionist era. He left mankind his brilliant paintings, which have greatly influenced the art of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the painter was only able to sell a few paintings during his short lifetime. He said the following about this:
"It's not my fault that my pictures don't sell. But there will come a time when people will realize that they are worth more than the money they get for the paint."
Vincent van Gogh - Self-Portrait, 1887. Recognition came years after the artist's untimely death.
The painter left a total of 900 paintings and 900 drawings, which today are particularly sought after and loved by art lovers. However, at the time of the early industrial revolution in Europe, society was clearly not ready to discover his genius and appreciate his works accordingly. But somehow the genius was able to predict his artistic success.
Today, several paintings by Vincent van Gogh are among the most expensive works of art in the world. For example, 100 years after his tragic death, one of his seven sunflower paintings was auctioned for 37 million euros. Unfortunately too late! The brilliant Impressionist could not boast of his success as a painter.
Starry Night, oil on canvas, 1889
"Personally, I don't know anything for sure, but looking at the stars makes me daydream."
"I put my heart and soul into my work and lost my mind in the process.", was written by Vincent van Gogh. And that is also true.
He was born on March 30, 1853 in Groot-Zundert in Holland and grew up in poor circumstances. Vincent should be one lead a religious life and become a pastor just like his father. He also tried other professions until he finally decided to delve into painting. In 1884 he set up a small studio in his parents' house and devoted himself to painting. After some sad experiences and disappointments in love, he left his hometown and first went to Belgium to study art there. During this period he was heavily influenced by the French painters Cezanne, Signac and Paul Gauguin. Years later he met Paul Gauguin and Pablo Picasso in Paris.
Starry night over the Rhone, oil on canvas, 1888
"I often think that the night is livelier and more colorful than the day", Vincent van Gogh
Throughout his life he constantly struggled with mental illness. So during a fit and after a heated argument with Paul Gauguin, he cut off his left earlobe. That was the end of the friendship between the two painters. After that, Vincent van Gogh found himself in more and more nervous crises and withdrew from public life. During a walk in Auvers-sur-Oise, not far from the French capital, he committed suicide. Van Gogh shot himself in the chest with a pistol. He was only 37 years old. In the last 10 years of his short and very turbulent life, most of his paintings, which today belong to masterpieces of painting, were created.
Portrait of Dr. Gachet - that was the great painter's doctor in the last years of his life.
"Although I am often in the depths of misery, there is still calm, pure harmony and music within me."
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Van Gogh's paintings are a reflection of his inner emotions
Vincent van Gogh was ill, lived in poverty and lost hope of human affection at an early age. He was a very emotional person and you can see that in his work today. In painting, the artist found a means of expressing his “inside”. With the brush he tried to process his depression and fears and to express his feelings. The painter often uses strong complementary colours. His figurative depictions are characterized by clearly visible brush strokes and carry unique energy. This is exactly where his genius lies.
Blue Irises, Vincent van Gogh, May 1889
The red vineyard in Arles, 1888
Van Gogh's Sunflowers in Vases are perhaps his most popular paintings. But do you also know these "Two cut off sunflowers"?
Vincent van Gogh was not only a virtuoso with a brush, he was also really good at expressing himself in words. Below we have listed some of his well-known quotes in which he talks about art and love. Take a few minutes and enjoy! Just like some of his masterpieces.
Cornfield with Crows - it is known as the last painting by Vincent van Gogh, painted in July 1890, just a few days before his death.
"Someone has a great fire in his soul and no one ever comes to warm himself by it, and the passers-by see nothing but a little smoke from the top of the chimney and then go their own way."
The Church in Auvers, 1890
Potato eater, 1885
A pair of shoes, 1887
"It's dealing with things for a long time that makes you mature and gives you a deeper meaning."
"Seafarers know the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never seen these dangers as a reason to stay ashore."
"I'm trying more and more to be myself and care relatively little about whether people agree or disagree."
"It is good to love many things, for therein lies true power, and whoever loves much achieves much and can achieve much, and what is done out of love is done well."
The Night Cafe, Vincent van Gogh, oil on canvas, 1888
Bedroom in Arles, Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Sad old man, Vincent van Gogh, May 1890
