Inspired by Van Gogh

Born into a family of art dealers, Vincent Van Gogh was destined for a life in art. However, he was quickly dismissed from his first job at the Boussod and Valadon Gallery in Paris. This drove him to explore what would be another big aspect of his life: theology and spirituality. The artist turned to religion in order to confront his malaise, and although his plan to become a priest never materialised, this experience held a considerable place in his both his existence as a painter and in his paintings. Through painting, Van Gogh found what he sought in his theological studies: an outlet for his aspirations and anxieties. He used art as a way to liberate himself spiritually and psychologically, where his works reflect his life and the most intimate corners of his mind.

Even though Van Gogh painted one of his masterpieces The Starry Night whilst at an asylum in Saint-Rémy de Provence, his paintings are a lot more than a mere reflection of his delicate mental state. They are the works of a true genius, who drew inspiration not only from personal experience but also Japanese Prints. Provence was a mini Japan for Van Gogh, particularly the region of Alres, where he dreamt of creating his “Atelier du Midi" (Workshop of the Midi region in France) in his yellow house. Amongst the Impressionist painters only Paul Gauguin agreed to join him, resulting in the infamous fight that led Vag Gogh to cut off his own earlobe. Despite the outlet provided through painting and the huge support received from his brother Theo, the artist struggled greatly from this moment forward. This would result in not only being institutionalized but also in his tragic suicide. Even though he is known today a one of the most important figures of Impressionism alongside Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet or Auguste Renoir, the one-eared painter only sold one painting during his lifetime: The Red Vineyards near Arles.

Ignored, misunderstood and rejected by his contemporaries, Van Gogh unknowingly turned the art world upside down. His portfolio consists of more that 850 paintings to date and has had a colossal influence on painting. Many talented artists even now, follow the footsteps of this great master or rework his famous paintings. In this selection, Artsper introduces you to the incredible legacy and influence left by Van Gogh that changed the history of art forever.