Vincent Van Gogh: An Artistic Journey In The Darkness of Life.
Exploring in-depth the grievous life of Vincent Van Gogh. An artistic genius whom we’ve lost in the darkness of life.
Content:
1. Family Background 2. Early Life 3. The way through Occupations 4. Start of Artistic Journey 5. Lovelife 6. The First Masterpiece 7. Only Painting he could sell 8. ‘The Starry Nights’ 9. Johanna & Theo 10. Death & Last Painting 11. How His legacy got preserved 12. Wrap-up 13. Support Message
‘If you ever think that your life has been hard on you just read about the life of Vincent Van Gogh, a genius whom we couldn’t recognize.’
Vincent Van Gogh: Family Background
Vincent Van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the village of Groot-Zundert in the Netherlands. His father, Theodorus Van Gogh, was a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and his mother, Anna Cornelia Carbentus, was the daughter of a bookseller.
Vincent’s father, Theodorus, came from a long line of ministers and was known for his strong religious convictions. He had a stern and authoritative personality. Vincent’s mother, Anna, was an artistically inclined woman who loved nature and instilled a love for art in her children. Vincent had five siblings Theo, Elisabeth, Cor, Wil, and Anna.
Vincent had a close relationship with his brother Theo throughout his life. Theo was his younger brother, and the two shared a deep bond. Theo was supportive of Vincent’s artistic aspirations and played a crucial role in his life as a confidant, financial supporter, and advocate for his work.
Vincent Van Gogh’s Early Life: Childhood, Upbringing, Education
Vincent’s early childhood was marked by a mixture of joy and sadness. He was a quiet and thoughtful child, often immersed in his own world of imagination. However, tragedy struck when his younger brother, also named Vincent, was stillborn exactly one year before the artist’s birth. This event had a profound impact on Vincent’s psyche and influenced his later artistic themes.
Vincent’s upbringing was predominantly strict and religious. His family belonged to the middle class, and his father’s position as a minister meant that they led a modest lifestyle. The Van Gogh household was characterized by an atmosphere of religious devotion, discipline, and intellectual pursuits.
Vincent received his early education at various schools in different towns, including Zevenbergen, Tilburg, and Brussels. While he showed promise in various subjects, he struggled academically and eventually left school at the age of 15.
Vincent dropped out of school due to his family’s financial difficulties. His father’s death in 1885 further strained the family’s financial situation, and Vincent had to find a way to support himself.
Vincent’s Way Through Unsettling Occupations:
Throughout his life, Vincent held various jobs to sustain himself. He worked as an art dealer, a teacher, a bookstore assistant, and even as a preacher for a short period. However, he never found true fulfillment in these occupations and always felt drawn toward art.
Vincent was fired from his first job as an art dealer due to his disagreement with the owner over the pricing of certain artworks. His uncompromising nature and passionate beliefs often clashed with his superiors.
Vincent found employment as a teacher at a boarding school in Ramsgate, England. However, the job didn’t last long due to his unconventional teaching methods and clashes with the school’s administration.
He began preaching the Bible in the Borinage region of Belgium in 1879. He started his ministry in the coal mining community, living amongst the miners and sharing their hardships. He held his services in a small church in Petit-Wasmes.
Vincent was eventually dismissed from his position as a preacher due to his unorthodox and radical approach. His intense dedication to the miners and his clashes with the church authorities led to his removal from the ministry
Vincent’s connection to coal mines stemmed from his desire to live and work among the impoverished and marginalized members of society. He saw the coal miners as an embodiment of the toil and struggle that he wanted to capture in his art.
Pursuing of Passion and Support From Theo: The Start of Vincent’s Artistic Journey
Vincent’s engagement with painting and drawing began during his time in the Borinage region. He initially used these art forms as a means of expressing his religious beliefs and offering solace to the mining community.
Vincent’s decision to pursue painting as a full-time career and become an artist was driven by his deep passion for capturing the essence of human experience and emotions. He saw art as a way to transcend the limitations of his own existence and connect with others on a profound level.
Theo, who worked as an art dealer, provided financial assistance, art supplies, and unwavering emotional support to Vincent. Vincent struggled financially and relied on Theo for money to buy canvases, brushes, and other art materials. Despite the financial strain, Vincent’s determination to create art never wavered, and he often used whatever resources were available to him.
The Agony of Vincent’s Love-life and Mental Health:
Vincent had a rough love life. He had several relationships, but the most notable was with Clasina Maria Hoornick, known as Sien. A woman with whom Vincent had a brief but significant relationship. She was a pregnant prostitute whom Vincent took in and cared for, along with her children.
She became a model and muse for him, inspiring some of his artworks. Sien had a complicated life, and Vincent tried to provide support and stability to her and her children.
But this relationship didn’t last long and Vincent broke up with Sien after his family expressed disapproval of their relationship. They believed it would hinder Vincent’s artistic pursuits and cause further financial strain.
Vincent’s love life and personal struggles took a toll on his mental and physical health. After the breakup with Sien, he experienced periods of deep despair, loneliness, and isolation, which contributed to his deteriorating mental state. It is believed that Vincent contracted gonorrhea during his time with Sien. This further exacerbated his health problems and added to his overall suffering.
Vincent Van Gogh’s First Masterpiece: “The Potato Eaters”
Vincent differed from other painters of his time in his bold use of color and expressive brushwork. He developed a distinctive style characterized by vibrant and intense brushstrokes that conveyed his emotional intensity and inner turmoil. Vincent’s persistence and will to improve as an artist were unwavering. He dedicated himself to constant self-improvement, experimenting with different techniques, and seeking inspiration from other artists.
Vincent painted his first masterpiece, “The Potato Eaters,” in April 1885, at the age of 32. The painting depicted a group of peasants gathered around a table, illuminated by a single light source. It was a somber and realistic portrayal of rural life and reflected Vincent’s interest in capturing the hardships of ordinary people.
Despite his artistic talent, Vincent struggled to sell his paintings during his lifetime. His unconventional style and subject matter often clashed with the popular tastes of the art market at the time.
The Red Vineyards: The Only Painting Vincent Could Sell
Vincent moved to Arles, a town in the south of France, in 1888. He was attracted to the region’s vibrant colors and the promise of a more affordable and idyllic lifestyle. Arles became a significant setting for some of his most famous works.
In Arles, Vincent’s financial condition remained precarious, and his mental state deteriorated further. He experienced frequent bouts of depression, loneliness, and self-doubt. Despite these challenges, he produced a remarkable body of work during his time in Arles. Vincent painted “The Red Vineyards” in November 1888, during his time in Arles. It was the only painting sold during his lifetime. Anna Boch, a Belgian painter and art collector, purchased the painting.
Making of Vincent’s Famous: “The Starry Night”
Vincent was admitted to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in May 1889. His mental instability, manifested through episodes of psychosis and self-harm, led his family and doctors to seek professional care for him.
During his stay at the asylum, Vincent created one of his most famous works, “The Starry Night.” The painting showcased a night sky filled with swirling, expressive brushstrokes and a sense of beauty. It was a reflection of his inner emotions and his longing for solace and connection with the universe.
Vincent’s motive behind painting “The Starry Night” and his other artworks was to convey his deep emotions, spiritual yearning, and the intensity of his personal experiences. His art served as a means of catharsis and a way to communicate his innermost struggles and aspirations.
Johanna and Theo: Their Everlasting Support for Vincent
Theo’s wife, Johanna Gezina “Jo” Bonger (the woman who made Vincent Van Gogh), played a supportive role in Vincent’s life after his death. Both Theo and Johanna provided significant emotional and financial support to Vincent throughout his life. They believed in his talent and vision, and their support was instrumental in allowing him to pursue his artistic passions.
Vincent’s nephew, the son of Theo and Johanna, was named Vincent Willem Van Gogh in honor of his uncle. Vincent Willem became a dedicated advocate for his uncle’s artworks, eventually establishing the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Candle of Life Extinguished While Battling With Brushstrokes:
Vincent’s mental health struggles reached a breaking point, and on July 27, 1890, he attempted suicide by shooting himself in the chest. He survived the initial attempt but succumbed to his injuries two days later, on July 29, at the age of 37. He died on his bed with his brother alongside him. His last words were;
The sadness will last forever.
Theo, who had been Vincent’s constant source of support, died just six months after Vincent’s death. His death was attributed to a combination of physical and mental exhaustion, as well as complications from syphilis.
Vincent’s last painting was “Wheatfield with Crows,” completed in July 1890, shortly before his suicide. The painting is often interpreted as a reflection of his inner turmoil and the sense of isolation he experienced in his final days.
Johanna’s Dedication to Preserving Vincent’s Artistic Legacy:
After Vincent’s death, Johanna took on the responsibility of collecting and preserving his paintings. She worked tirelessly to gather as many of his works as possible, collaborating with various collectors, galleries, and art dealers.
Her efforts resulted in the recognition and appreciation of Vincent’s artworks. She managed to collect a substantial number of his paintings, ensuring that his legacy as a brilliant artist would endure.
Johanna faced significant challenges in selling Vincent’s artwork initially. It was only in the early 20th century, after the public’s growing interest in Vincent’s unique style and tragic life story, that his paintings began to gain recognition and appreciation.
People started to give attention to Vincent’s artwork during the early 20th century. His expressive style, emotional depth, and the narrative surrounding his life captured the imagination of art enthusiasts and critics, leading to an increased appreciation for his work.
“Portrait of Dr. Gachet” became the most expensive painting by Vincent Van Gogh that had been sold. It was purchased by Japanese businessman Ryoei Saito for a then-record-breaking price of $82.5 million in 1990.
Wrapping-up: Vincent Van Gogh’s Tragic Life
Vincent Van Gogh’s life was marked by immense hardships, including mental illness, financial struggles, and personal disappointments. However, throughout it all, his unwavering passion for art remained a driving force. He channeled his suffering and experiences into his paintings, creating a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences today. His paintings are now worth millions but in his lifetime, they were worth nothing when he needed the most.
Vincent’s life story teaches us several important lessons. It emphasizes the power of art as a means of self-expression and catharsis, even in the face of immense challenges. It reminds us of the importance of perseverance and dedication in pursuing our passions, despite the obstacles we may encounter. Vincent’s story serves as a reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and support for those struggling with mental health issues.
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