15 Things You Didn't Know About Vincent Van Gogh

Summary

This video from a Lux calm explores 15 lesser-known facts about the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, the renowned Dutch post-impressionist painter. Despite his lack of recognition and struggles with mental health during his lifetime, van Gogh is now celebrated as a significant figure in Western art. The video delves into his late start in painting, his relationships, and the tragic circumstances of his death. It also highlights his prolific output, with over 2,100 pieces of art created in just over a decade, and his enduring legacy, which includes the establishment of the Van Gogh Museum and his influence on modern art sales. The script also touches on theories surrounding his death and his portrayal in popular culture, including film and music.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter born on March 30th, 1853, in the Netherlands.
• 👶 There were actually four individuals named Vincent van Gogh in his family lineage, including a stillborn brother and a grandfather.
• 🧠 Van Gogh likely suffered from multiple mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, syphilis, manic depression, and possibly autism.
• 🖌️ Van Gogh did not begin painting until the age of 27, after a series of failed career attempts.
• ❤️ He lived with and cared for a prostitute named Sien, taking care of her baby, which strained his relationship with his family.
• 💰 His portrait of Dr. Gachet sold for a record-breaking $82.5 million in 1990, making it the 13th most expensive piece of art ever sold at auction.
• 🎨 Van Gogh was a prolific artist, creating around 2,100 pieces of art during his career, which lasted just over a decade.
• 🌻 His 'Sunflowers' painting made art history when it was sold for $39.9 million in 1987, setting a new record for a non-old master painting.
• 💰 Four of the top 30 most expensive paintings in history are by Van Gogh, including the portrait of Dr. Gachet and 'Irises'.
• 💔 It is believed that Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime, 'The Red Vineyards', for 400 francs to a fellow artist and collector.
• 🌈 His time in Paris transformed his art, introducing vibrant colors and thick oil techniques to his work.
• 🏆 Van Gogh's fame came posthumously, largely due to the efforts of his sister-in-law Johanna and her son, who founded the Van Gogh Museum.
• 🤳 Van Gogh was the original 'selfie king', creating 43 self-portraits during his art career.
• 🌌 Some of his most iconic works, including 'Starry Night', were painted while he was in an asylum.
• 🗣️ There is speculation that Van Gogh's ear was not self-inflicted but caused by Paul Gauguin, and that Van Gogh took the blame to protect him.
• 🔍 A theory suggests that Van Gogh may have been murdered, as the circumstances of his fatal gunshot wounds raise questions about self-infliction.
• 🎬 Van Gogh's life and work have been celebrated in film and music, including the song 'Vincent' and the film 'Lust for Life'.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'Vincent van Gogh' in the artist's family?

The name 'Vincent van Gogh' was a family name that was passed down through generations. The artist was named after an older brother who was stillborn, who in turn was named after their grandfather, also named Vincent van Gogh. The name continues to be a common Dutch surname.

What mental health issues did Vincent van Gogh likely suffer from according to modern psychiatrists?

Vincent van Gogh likely suffered from multiple mental illnesses, including conditions such as schizophrenia, syphilis, manic depression, temporal lobe epilepsy, and Geschwind syndrome. Some also believe he may have been autistic, as family accounts described him as being non-communicative and clumsy as a child.

At what age did Vincent van Gogh begin his painting career?

Vincent van Gogh did not start painting until he was 27 years old, which is considered late for an artist, but his work ethic and talent led to a prolific career.

What is known about Vincent van Gogh's relationship with a prostitute named Sien?

Vincent van Gogh had a deep and long-lasting relationship with a Dutch prostitute named Sien. He lived with her for some time, took care of her and her baby, and even helped raise the child, despite it not being his own.

How much did Vincent van Gogh's portrait of Dr. Gachet sell for at auction in 1990?

Vincent van Gogh's portrait of Dr. Gachet sold for a record price of eighty-two point five million dollars at an auction in New York City in 1990, which is equivalent to one hundred and fifty 1.2 million dollars in today's money.

How many pieces of art did Vincent van Gogh create during his career?

Vincent van Gogh created approximately 2,100 pieces of art during his career, which included 860 oil paintings and numerous sketches and drawings.

What significant event in art sales history did Van Gogh's 'Vase with 15 Sunflowers' painting signify when it was sold in 1987?

The sale of 'Vase with 15 Sunflowers' for 62 million dollars in 1987 signified a new direction in art sales and collecting, as it was the highest price paid for a painting that was not an old master, tripling the previous record.

How many of the top 30 most expensive paintings in history are by Vincent van Gogh?

Four of the top 30 most expensive paintings in history are by Vincent van Gogh, which include the portrait of Dr. Gachet, the portrait of Joseph Roulin, Irises, and Portrait of L'Arlesienne.

How many paintings did Vincent van Gogh sell during his lifetime?

It is believed that Vincent van Gogh only sold a single painting during his lifetime, which was 'Red Vineyards near Arles', purchased by Anna Boch for 400 francs.

What significant change in Vincent van Gogh's art style occurred during his time in Paris?

During his two-year period in Paris, Vincent van Gogh's art transformed from somber-looking paintings to works full of color and thick with excessive oils, marking a transition from sepia tones to vibrant colors.

Who was instrumental in making Vincent van Gogh's artwork famous after his death?

Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law, Johanna, played a crucial role in making his artwork famous. After inheriting most of his pieces, she spread his works across galleries and exhibitions, and her son founded the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 1973.

How many self-portraits did Vincent van Gogh create during his art career?

Vincent van Gogh created a total of 43 self-portraits during his decade-long art career, earning him the title of the original 'selfie king'.

What famous work did Vincent van Gogh paint while staying at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum?

While staying at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, Vincent van Gogh painted one of his most famous works, 'Starry Night', although he himself was not pleased with the final result.

What is the alternative theory suggesting the circumstances of Vincent van Gogh's death?

An alternative theory suggests that Vincent van Gogh was murdered, possibly shot by a young teenager who used to mock him. Van Gogh might have chosen to die from his injuries rather than seek help, given his mental state at the time.

In what ways has Vincent van Gogh been immortalized in popular culture?

Vincent van Gogh has been immortalized in film and music over the years. Notable examples include Don McLean's song 'Vincent', the 1954 film 'Lust for Life' starring Kirk Douglas, the 1990 film 'Vincent and Theo', and a touching episode of 'Doctor Who' in 2010.