four artists who made history: Vincent van Gogh

Birth & Childhood, Education

Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30th, 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands. He was one of six children and was born exactly one year after his older brother Vincent was stillborn. His mother's love of nature and painting rubbed off on him. Because of financial struggles, he had to abandon his education to work and support his family. He sold art at the age of 15 at his uncle's art dealership.

After suffering from a very anxiety ridden breakdown, Van Gogh began devoting his life to the church and even considered becoming a minister. He was rejected for various personal reasons. In 1880, he moved to Brussels and began working on becoming an artist. His younger and favorite brother Theo was also an art dealer and decided to support Vincent financially.

He had several family issues while he was growing up which involved money and relationships he previously had. He developed a very peripatetic way of living and focused on religion and painted his environment.

Vincent ca. 1866, age 13

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Achievements

Vincent Van Gogh achieved a lot during his years as a painter. Throughout his career as a painter, Van Gogh produced more than 2,100 pieces of work, having "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers" being his most sold and most iconic works. Many amateur artists study his use of inspirational outlets as well as different uses of media, which he applied to his work. His ability to convey the modernism form in art caught the eyes of many and after his passing, with the help of his sister-in-law, he became a success.