VINCENT VAN GOGH

One of the most popular and emotional artists of all time

Reasons for choosing Van Gogh

• Hugely popular nowadays
• Tragic life story
• Died poor- sold only one painting
• Deeply emotional paintings (landscapes and portraits)
• Unique style

How much do Van Gogh paintings sell for?

• Orchard with Cypresses
• Sold for $117m, 2022

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Who was he?

• Dutch artist, 1853-1890
• Father pastor, 5 brothers+ sisters
• Brother Theo supported him
• Spent most of his life in France
• Sold only one painting
• Suffered from depression
• Spent a year in asylum
• Committed suicide at 37

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The potato eaters, 1885

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• An early work
• Shows poor family of farmers
• Realistic painting
• Dark colours
• Van Gogh was poor and liked poor people

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The Bedroom, 1888

Artist’s bedroom in France

Symbolizes rest and peace through bright colours

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Others say bright colours show nervous energy and instability

Starry night (1889), one of the most famous works

artist at an asylum

depicts hope

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Self portrait with a bandaged ear,1889

Van Gogh cut his own ear during a fight

Proof of his ill mental health

Sunflowers, 1889

• Very popular painting
• Used only one colour: yellow
• Represents gratitude and hope
• Typical of his style

Almond blossom, 1890

• Beauty of nature: a popular theme
• Gift for baby nephew
• Never sold- family possession
• Represents new life and arrival of spring
• Made after period of mental illness
• Japan influences

Irises, 1889

• Painted at the asylum
• Artist struggled with mental illness
• A post-impressionist work
• Nature: popular theme

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Portrait of Dr Gachet (1890)

• Portrait of his doctor
• Melancholy expression, doctor looks tired
• Painted 6 months before his death
• Sold in 1990 for $82.5 million

Wheatfield with crows, 1890

Artist’s last work

Expresses sadness, loneliness and approaching death

Where can we see his work?

• Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
• Many other galleries all over the world

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