VINCENT VAN GOGH
Vincent van Gogh
(1853-1890) is one of the most famous and influential painters in the history of art.
His unique style, characterized by vibrant colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a deep emotional sensitivity, revolutionized painting and ushered in modern art. Yet his genius was not fully recognized until after his death, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to inspire and fascinate.
Born in Groot-Zundert, the Netherlands, into a modest family, Van Gogh showed a fascination with nature and art from an early age. Before devoting himself fully to painting, he held several jobs, including as an art dealer and preacher.
This unusual career path, marked by numerous periods of doubt and spiritual search, profoundly shaped his artistic vision.
Van Gogh began painting seriously at the age of 27. His first works, produced during his stay in Belgium and the Netherlands, reflect a somber palette and themes centered on rural life. The Potato Eaters (1885), one of his first major works, illustrates his interest in the lives of peasants and his desire to capture the authenticity of their existence.
In 1886, Van Gogh moved to Paris, where he discovered the Impressionists and Pointillists.
This encounter transformed his artistic approach: his palette lightened, and he adopted brighter colors and more dynamic brushstrokes. Inspired by the light and landscapes of southern France, he moved to Arles in 1888. There, he created some of his most famous works, such as Sunflowers, Starry Night, and The Bedroom. These paintings, imbued with emotional intensity and an inimitable style, reflect his quest for beauty and meaning.
Van Gogh's style is distinguished by the energy and movement of his brushstrokes, combined with a bold use of color.
In Starry Night (1889), for example, the swirls of light in the sky and the striking contrasts between deep blues and luminous yellows create an atmosphere that is both mystical and poetic.
These innovative techniques profoundly influenced later artistic movements, notably Expressionism and Fauvism. Despite his extraordinary talent, Van Gogh struggled with mental illness and profound loneliness throughout his life. His stay at the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence asylum in 1889 was a prolific period, marked by the creation of masterpieces such as Irises and Wheatfield with Cypresses.
However, his personal and financial difficulties continued, and he died tragically in 1890 at the age of 37, leaving behind over 2,000 works, including approximately 900 paintings and 1,100 drawings.
The art market has seen Van Gogh's works reach unprecedented heights. Portrait of Doctor Gachet, sold for $82.5 million in 1990, remains one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.
His paintings, whether landscapes, portraits, or still lifes, are among the most sought-after in the world. Even his lesser-known drawings and preparatory studies fetch impressive prices, reflecting the universal appeal of his genius.
Van Gogh's posthumous success rests in part on the raw emotion and sincerity of his art. His letters, particularly those addressed to his brother Theo, offer poignant insights into his personality and artistic aspirations, further reinforcing his legend. His works continue to attract millions of visitors to museums such as the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
How does it work ?
Submit your work
Upload clear, detailed photos of your artwork directly to our platform. Add additional information (dimensions, history, signature, etc.) to help our experts better evaluate it.
Analyzed
by our experts
Your request is forwarded to our network of expert partners specializing in different periods and artistic styles. They carefully study each work to provide an accurate estimate.
Receive your estimate
In less than 48 hours, you will receive a detailed response including an estimate of the value of your item.
