Vincent van Gogh

Dutch 1853–1890

Vincent van Gogh produced over 2,100 artworks in just ten years, from 1880 until his death at 37. Born in the Netherlands and largely self-taught, he worked as an art dealer, teacher, and preacher before dedicating himself to painting. His early work was dark and earthy; a move to Paris in 1886 introduced him to Impressionism and the vibrant palette that defines his mature style. In Arles, in a state of intense creative fervor, he produced some of his greatest works — including Sunflowers and The Bedroom — before suffering the mental breakdown that led to his voluntary admission to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum. There he painted The Starry Night. He sold only one painting in his lifetime. Today he is considered the most influential artist of the Post-Impressionist era.