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Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch painter who is considered one of the greatest artists in the history of Western art. His work, notable for its rough beauty, emotional intensity, and bold color, had a far-reaching influence on 20th-century art. Van Gogh's life was marked by hardship and struggle, and he died at the age of 37, largely unrecognized during his lifetime.

Early Life and Career

Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands. He came from a family of artists and merchants. After a brief period of study at the University of Leiden, he decided to become an artist. Van Gogh's early works were mainly in the style of realism, influenced by the works of his uncle, the artist Theo van Gogh.

The Paris Period

In 1886, van Gogh moved to Paris, where he met many of the leading artists of the time, including Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This period was crucial in the development of his unique style. He started experimenting with color and form, and his work began to show the characteristic swirling brushstrokes and vibrant colors that would become his signature.

The Yellow House and the South of France

In 1888, van Gogh moved to Arles, France, and painted the "Yellow House," which became his home and studio. He was joined by Paul Gauguin, with whom he worked on collaborative projects. The Arles period is marked by some of van Gogh's most famous works, such as "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers."

The Final Years

In 1890, van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, a small town outside Paris. His mental health deteriorated, and he was admitted to an asylum. On July 29, 1890, he died of a gunshot wound, which he inflicted on himself.

Legacy

Despite his struggles and early death, van Gogh's work has had a profound impact on the art world. His paintings are highly valued, and he is one of the most popular and influential artists of all time.

Works of Note

Starry Night: Perhaps his most famous painting, "Starry Night" depicts a view of the night sky over the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Sunflowers: Van Gogh painted multiple versions of "Sunflowers," which were gifts for his friends and colleagues.
The Potato Eaters: This painting is a prime example of van Gogh's early realism style.

For more information on van Gogh's life and work, you can visit our extensive collection of articles on Vincent van Gogh.