The Art and Life of Van Gogh

A detailed Summary of The Art and Life of Van Gogh


The Art and Life of Vincent van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most distinguished modern artists. His early work depicts humble subjects, peasants mostly, with a gentle hand. Many of his other paintings are mostly room settings, and still lifes of flowers with such intensity that it would seem as if he had captured a piece of the sun and used it in his painting. It is truly ironic that during his lifetime, he received no recognition whatsoever, and only sold one painting. Van Gogh faltered repeatedly in every career he attempted to pursue and felt extremely unloved by others. He did not have any friends. Van Gogh turned to art to express his strong religious feelings and his deep need for love and respect. During the latter years life, he completed over 800 oil paintings.

Vincent van Gogh was born on 1853 in Groot-Zundert, which is located in the Netherlands. At the tender age of 16, van Gogh was sent to The Hague to work for an uncle who was an art merchant. During the time he worked for his uncle, van Gogh realized that a business career did not suit him.

In 1878, van Gogh applied for admission into a theological school, but was sternly rejected. Van Gogh then decided to become a preacher. He acquired


Van Gogh initially relied heavily on dark brown and olive colors and heavy brushstrokes when painting. "The Potato Eaters," which he completed in 1885, is one of his finest works during this time period. (World Book p229)

That same fierceness can be seen again in his self-portrait, completed in January 1889, with his head still bandaged from the self mutilation of his ear which he did during a seizure. In this painting, all the forms were carefully assembled and depicted by hundreds of brushstrokes of genuine color, which give the coat, face, and the hat a bursting energy, even though there are very few colors in this painting - the blue of the coat, the black of the fur hat, the flesh colors, and the background. Above all, it is the haunting face with its deeply troubled eyes that entrances one's attention and sympathy and serves as the main focus.

to be affiliated with him any longer.

In 1886, van Gogh headed to Paris to visit his brother Theo. While he was there, he was at once captivated by the impressionist art he saw. While under the influence of impressionism, van Gogh lightened his brushstrokes and used bright, clear colors instead of the previous darker colors.



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Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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