Early Life and Influences
Vincent Willem van Gogh, a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands. His early life was marked by introversion and signs of mental instability. Van Gogh's career began as an art dealer, but he eventually turned to painting in 1881, influenced by modernist trends.
Artistic Evolution
Van Gogh's style evolved significantly after moving to Paris in 1886, where he engaged with avant-garde artists like
Émile Bernard and
Paul Gauguin. His art brightened, inspired by the local landscape, characterized by vivid depictions of olive groves, wheat fields, and sunflowers.
Key Works and Periods
- The Seine (Van Gogh series), a collection of paintings capturing the respite from city life found in nature, marked a transition in his work towards more joyous use of color and light.
- Japonaiserie, a term coined by Van Gogh to express the influence of Japanese art on his works, characterized by bold colors, assertive outlines, and flat regions of uniform color.
- Tree Roots, a painting showcasing Van Gogh's unique blend of Post-Impressionism and Japanese influences, can be found in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Rotterdam collection on WahooArt.com.
Legacy and Tragic End
Van Gogh's life was marked by struggles with mental health and poverty. He tragically ended his life on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37. His legacy as a tortured genius has endured, with his works now among the most highly valued in the art world.
Explore Van Gogh's Art