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.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 The Life and Legacy of Vincent van Gogh

This paragraph introduces the renowned Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, highlighting his significance in Western art history. Born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands, van Gogh is celebrated for his influential work despite his tragic life, which included poverty and mental health struggles. The paragraph also reveals that van Gogh was named after an older brother who was stillborn, and this was a common family name. It sets the stage for 15 intriguing facts about the artist's life and work.

05:01

🌟 Van Gogh's Struggles and Artistic Journey

The second paragraph delves into van Gogh's personal challenges and his late start to painting. It discusses the possibility of his suffering from various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and temporal lobe epilepsy, and the impact these conditions had on his life. The paragraph also shares that van Gogh did not begin his artistic career until the age of 27, after a series of failed career attempts, and that he relied on financial support from his brother Theo. Additionally, it touches on van Gogh's relationship with a prostitute named CN, whom he lived with and cared for, and the significant sale of his portrait of Dr. Gachet for $82.5 million.

10:05

🖌️ Van Gogh's Artistic Achievements and Posthumous Fame

This paragraph focuses on van Gogh's prolific output, with approximately 2,100 pieces of art created during his short career, including 860 oil paintings. It highlights the fact that van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime, 'Red Vineyards near Arles,' and discusses his time in Paris, which was instrumental in his development as an artist. The paragraph also reveals that van Gogh's sister-in-law, Johanna, played a crucial role in his posthumous fame, and that he was an early adopter of self-portraits, creating 43 during his career. Additionally, it mentions his time in an asylum, where he painted some of his most iconic works, such as 'Starry Night,' and explores theories about his relationships and the circumstances of his death.

Keywords

💡Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh is a pivotal figure in the video, renowned as a Dutch post-impressionist painter. He is considered one of the most influential artists in Western art history. The video explores various facets of his life and work, highlighting his significance in culture and the art world. His story is used to illustrate the struggles and triumphs of a misunderstood genius, and his impact is evident in the enduring popularity and high value of his artwork.

💡Post-Impressionism

Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a reaction against Impressionism's emphasis on naturalism. Van Gogh is identified as a Dutch post-impressionist painter in the script, indicating his role in moving art forward from the Impressionist focus on light and color to a more expressive and symbolic use of form and color. His work is a testament to the movement's exploration of individual expression and subjective experience.

💡Mental Health

Mental health is a significant theme in the video, as it delves into the various mental illnesses that Van Gogh likely suffered from, including schizophrenia, syphilis, manic depression, temporal lobe epilepsy, and Geschwind syndrome. The script suggests that these conditions deeply affected his life and possibly influenced his art. The video uses his story to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues, especially during Van Gogh's time when little help was available.

💡Artistic Genius

The term 'artistic genius' is implied throughout the video in reference to Van Gogh's extraordinary talent and the profound influence of his work. Despite his lack of recognition and success during his lifetime, Van Gogh is now celebrated for his innovative painting techniques and emotive expression, which have inspired countless artists and art lovers. His legacy as a genius is evident in the high regard for his paintings and their record-breaking auction prices.

💡Cultural Significance

Cultural significance refers to the importance or meaning that a person, event, or object holds within a culture. In the context of the video, Van Gogh's cultural significance is underscored by his status as a legendary artist and the profound impact his work has had on the art world and popular culture. The video mentions his influence on future generations and his portrayal in various forms of media, such as film and music, which further solidifies his place in cultural history.

💡Influential Artistic Figures

Influential artistic figures are those who have had a significant impact on the development of art and culture. The video positions Van Gogh as one such figure, highlighting his contributions to Western art history. His innovative approach to painting and the emotional depth of his work have made him a touchstone for artists and art enthusiasts alike, shaping the way we understand and appreciate art.

💡Mental Illness Stigma

Mental illness stigma refers to the negative attitudes and discrimination associated with mental health conditions. The video script discusses Van Gogh's struggles with various mental illnesses, suggesting that his suffering was not only personal but also societal, as the period in which he lived offered little understanding or support. The video indirectly addresses the need to challenge and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

💡Art Sales and Collecting

Art sales and collecting are significant aspects of the art world, and the video touches on this by mentioning the record-breaking prices achieved at auctions for Van Gogh's works. His painting 'Irises' and the portrait of Dr. Gachet are highlighted as examples of his paintings that have fetched high prices, indicating the value and demand for his art in the contemporary art market.

💡Self-Portraits

Self-portraits are a genre of art where the artist creates a portrait of themselves. Van Gogh is noted in the script for producing 43 self-portraits during his career, which some critics view as a sign of artistic vanity, while others see it as a practical solution given his financial constraints and isolation. These self-portraits not only provide insight into Van Gogh's appearance but also serve as a testament to his introspective nature and artistic process.

💡Art History

Art history is the study of the development and evolution of visual arts over time. The video script mentions Van Gogh's role in art history, particularly noting the significance of his 'Sunflowers' painting, which, when sold for a record price in 1987, marked a new era in art sales and collecting. Van Gogh's work is positioned as a milestone in the progression of art, influencing styles and perceptions in the field.

💡Mental Breakdown

A mental breakdown refers to a temporary state of mental or emotional collapse, often resulting from extreme stress or trauma. The video discusses Van Gogh's significant mental breakdown in 1888, which led him to check into the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum. It was during this period that he painted some of his most iconic works, such as 'Starry Night,' despite his own dissatisfaction with the final result.

Highlights

Vincent van Gogh was named after an older brother who was stillborn, continuing a family tradition of the name.

Van Gogh likely suffered from multiple mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and temporal lobe epilepsy.

He began his painting career at 27, later than most prodigies.

Van Gogh lived with and cared for a prostitute named CN, showing a compassionate side.

His portrait of Dr. Gachet sold for a record-breaking $82.5 million in 1990.

Van Gogh was a prolific artist, creating around 2,100 pieces of art in just over a decade.

His Sunflowers painting made art history by setting a record price for a non-old master painting in 1987.

Van Gogh has four paintings in the top 30 most expensive paintings in history.

He only sold one painting during his lifetime, the Red Vineyards near Arles.

His time in Paris transformed van Gogh into a true artistic master.

Van Gogh's sister-in-law, Johanna, played a crucial role in making him famous posthumously.

Van Gogh was the original 'selfie king', creating 43 self-portraits in just three years.

Some of his most iconic works, including Starry Night, were painted while he was in an asylum.

There is speculation that van Gogh had an affair with artist Paul Gauguin and may not have cut off his own ear.

A theory suggests that van Gogh may have been murdered, rather than committing suicide.

Van Gogh has been immortalized in film and music, reflecting his lasting cultural impact.

Transcripts

fifteen things you didn't know about

Vincent van Gogh welcome to a Lux calm

the place where future billionaires come

to get inspired hello in lectures and

welcome to another fact-filled video the

a Lux channel and brand is dedicated to

cluing you in on all of the finest

things in life from must-have cars -

must have jewelry - must visit vacation

resorts part of being a member of the

elite is having an education and

knowledge of the most important and

significant individuals in culture

through the years and there is no doubt

that one such individual is the

legendary artist Vincent van Gogh born

on March 30th 1853 in zundert

Netherlands Vincent was a Dutch

post-impressionist painter who though

remaining undiscovered and unappreciated

in his short lifetime is now considered

to be one of the most famous and

influential artistic figures in the

history of Western art perhaps one of

the saddest figures in art history

van Gogh took his own life at the age of

37 following many years of poverty and

mental health problems but we are here

today to celebrate his genius with 15

things you didn't know about Vincent van

Gogh number one there were actually four

Vincent van Gogh though we can surely

state that our Vincent van Gogh is a

true one-in-a-million

the truth is that the Dutch artist was

named after an older brother who was

tragically stillborn this lost brother

in turn named after their grandfather

also named Vincent van Gogh and the name

kept going down the family line when one

of Vincent's brothers Theo father's a

son and gave him the family name that

seemed to be so popular van Gogh is

still a common dutch surname to this day

and we can only imagine how big the

temptation must be for families to honor

the iconic artist by naming their boys

Vincent

number 2 he likely suffered from

multiple mental illnesses we are all

familiar with van Gogh as being a symbol

of sadness and the tortured artist

archetype but his problems ran much

deeper than just common depression while

studying his life

and condition modern psychiatrists have

determined that van Gogh was likely to

have suffered from a large array of

conditions including schizophrenia

syphilis - rafi a manic depression

temporal lobe epilepsy and Geschwind

syndrome many also believe that van Gogh

was autistic as several family accounts

have shown him to be a nun communicative

and clumsy child it's just a shame that

such a genius talent and mind had to

exist in the period where little help

was available for his ailments number

three he didn't start painting until he

was 27 the work of Van Gogh is an

example to all of us who think it might

be too late to follow their dreams

though many art prodigies are famed for

creating masterpieces in their childhood

van Gogh

didn't put pencil or paint to paper

until the age of 27 when he was thrown

out of his family home after a series of

failed and varied career accounts too

poor to even afford a set of paints he

relied on a gift from his brother Theo

the same brother who actually became

responsible for helping van Gogh survive

financially over the course of the next

decade number four he lived with and

loved a prostitute

van Gaal famously had deep and

long-lasting crushes in his life

including on a widowed cousin and an

upper-class woman named Eugenia who was

famously disinterested the love of his

life however was a Dutch prostitute

named CN whom he lived with for some

time then Goss not only took care of CN

but he also took care of her baby

helping to raise the child even though

it was not his own the N can be seen in

many event gulfs sketched portraits but

it is known that this love affair drove

a wedge between Vincent and the rest of

his family and after some persuasion

from his brother Theo Vincent left the N

in The Hague and moved to dren thha

something many believe he always

regretted number five

his portrait of dr. Gachet sold for

eighty two point five million dollars

alongside sunflowers and starry night

van gulfs painted portrait of dr. Gachet

is undoubted

the artists most revered work in his

signature style the oil on canvas

painting depicts dr. Paul Gautier the

man who took care of Vincent in the

final few months of his life

interestingly there are two

authenticated versions of this portrait

both of which were painted in June 1890

in 1990 at an auction house in New York

City the first version of the portrait

of dr. Gachet was sold for a record

price of eighty two point five million

dollars that's one hundred and fifty 1.2

million dollars in today's money making

it the 13th most expensive piece of art

ever sold at auction number six he was a

prolific artist during a career that

lasted just over a decade Van Gough

created approximately 2,100 pieces of

art this collection included 860 oil

paintings and many many sketched

drawings the bulk of his work was

completed in France where he spent much

of his life including the final two

years

the paintings included landscape still

lifes self-portraits and portraits of

others with some of his most notable

unmentioned works being sorrow and

bedroom in Aires when considered

mathematically Van Gogh 20100 art works

over 10 years equates to four pieces per

week that is some pace compared to other

revered artists like da Vinci for

example number seven the sunflowers made

art history although by the prices most

famous works of art such today 62

million dollars is lightweight when the

painting based with 15 sunflowers was

sold in 1987 it signified a new

direction in art sales and collecting

this was the highest price paid for a

painting that was not an old master

tripling the previous record number 8 4

of the top 30 most expensive paintings

in history are by Van Gogh the four

paintings by Van Gogh with the highest

prices are the portrait of dr. Gachet

sold for eighty two point five million

dollars in 1990

the portrait of Joseph rule in Seoul for

58 million dollars plus exchange of

works in 1989 irises 450 3.9 million in

1987 and portrait Dale artiste sambar

Bay 470 1.5 million dollars in 1998 the

Afra mentioned vase with 15 sunflowers

is number 46 on the list number 9 he

sold only one painting during his

lifetime perhaps the most bittersweet

fact of all it is believed that van Gogh

only sold a single painting during the

course of his life

painted in 1888 the oil painting red

vineyards near Aires was exhibited at

the annual exhibition of Les plaintiff

in Brussels in 1890 and was purchased by

Anna Boch a fellow painter and art

collector and friend of van Gogh for the

sum of 400 francs that amount equates to

roughly $1,000 in today's money and the

painting passed in the hands of a

Russian collector named Sarah J shooken

before coming to its final resting place

in the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in

Moscow number 10 his time in Paris

turned him into a master one viewpoint

that is often a South by critics is that

van Gogh was made into a true artistic

master thanks to his two-year period in

Paris France whilst van Gogh earlier

paintings are rather somber in look and

character the works produced between

1886 and 1888 like the sunflowers and

self-portrait with a bandaged ear are

full of color and thick with excessive

oils almost a transition from sepia

tones to glorious Technicolor van Gogh

was sharing an apartment with his

brother Theo at the time and perhaps

this period of relative stability helped

his artistic senses to flourish you can

learn all about Paris the city that made

Van Gogh

by watching our video just click on the

right hand corner when you're ready

number eleven he was made famous by his

sister-in-law

though it is hard to contemplate today

the truth is that van Gogh remained an

unknown artist throughout the entire

course of his life it was not until

after his death and after the death of

his brother Theo that his widowed

sister-in-law

Johanna made it her mission to spread

his works across galleries and

exhibitions Johanna inherited most of

his pieces and when she died her son

aptly named Vincent Jill remember

founded the van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

in 1973 where most of his artwork still

remains to this day number 12

he was the first selfie King though

selfies are obviously seen as a recent

phenomenon thanks to the invention of

front-facing cell phone cameras there is

a strong case to regard van Gogh as the

original selfie king in a period of

three years during his decade-long art

career then golf produced a total of 43

self-portraits

some art critics have labeled this

excessive number as an exercise in

artistic vanity others have argued that

due to Van Gogh extreme poverty and dire

financial situation one of the subjects

that he could always really replicate

without having to pay a model or buy

props was himself due to his lack of

interaction with people finding even

friends to pose for him would have been

a huge challenge number 13 he painted

some of his iconic works while in an

asylum Van Gogh had a significant mental

breakdown in the winter of 1888 checking

himself into the st. Paul Demma soul

asylum shortly afterward it was in this

Asylum that he painted some of his most

famous works most notably the amazing

starry night though the painting has

come to be regarded as one of n golf's

very best the truth is that the artist

himself was not pleased with the final

result

van Gogh considered starry night to be a

complete failure along with the rest of

the pieces that he created in the asylum

we have to wonder whether his fragile

mental state impeded his judgment at

this time

number fourteen he likely had an affair

with artist Paul Gauguin and he may have

been the one who cut off van Gogh ear

while the long-term object of Van Gogh

affection was Dutch prostitutes the end

many believed that he also had a brief

affair with painter at Paul Gauguin the

two lived as roommates in the South of

France

and van Gogh himself described their

bond as being electric though there was

certainly affection between the two they

shared the type of relationship that

very often ventured into violence - we

have all heard different conflicting

stories about the infamous act of van

Gogh cutting his own ear off the story

goes that the two artists became

involved in a raging argument that

culminated in van Gogh slicing a portion

of his own ear off later giving it to a

prostitute however some scholars believe

that go again an accomplished fencer in

his day was actually responsible for the

injury not wanting his roommate and

sometime lover to go to jail they argue

that van Gogh took the blame to avoid

criminal charges number 15 there is a

theory that van Gogh was murdered though

the historical consensus has always been

that van Gogh killed himself as a result

of his poverty and his ailing mental

health there is doubt in some circles

that the artists fatal gunshot wounds

were self-inflicted history tells us

that van Gogh shot himself in the

stomach in a field then walked a mile

back to the inn in which he was staying

to die however some biographers believe

that van Gogh was actually shot by a

young teenager who used to incessantly

mock him they argue that given his

mental state van Gogh might have seen

this incident as a favor and therefore

chose to die from his injuries rather

than seek help

this theory is supported by the fact

that there was no gun ever found nor

were there painting supplies in the

field that van Gogh came from thank you

a lectures for joining us here today for

this video hopefully we have given you

an insight into the life and career of

this very special artist do you have a

favorite van Gogh work of art if so

which one let us know in the comments

and here's one final bonus fact as a

thank you for sticking with us right to

the end number 16

she has been immortalized in film and

music van Gogh has been the subject of

several different songs and movies over

the years some of the most notable being

Don McClain song Vincent the 1954 film

lust for life starring Kirk Douglas as

Van Gogh the 1990 film Vincent and Theo

that focused on the relationship of the

two brothers and a particularly touching

episode of Doctor Who in 2010 which saw

Van Gogh

being brought into the present day to be

able to see how beloved his works are

compared to the anonymity in which he

died thank you for spending some time

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