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Birth of a Future Artist
Vincent Willem van Gogh is born in Zundert, Netherlands, to Theodorus van Gogh and Anna Cornelia Carbentus. He is the eldest surviving son in a middle-class family, with his father serving as a Protestant pastor. -
First Employment
Van Gogh begins working at the art dealership Goupil Cie in The Hague, following in the footsteps of his uncle. This job exposes him to various artworks and will significantly influence his future artistic path. -
Missionary Period
After failing as an art dealer and briefly working as a teacher and preacher, Van Gogh decides to become an artist. This marks a pivotal moment in his life, where he commits fully to his artistic calling despite having no formal training. -
The Potato Eaters
Van Gogh completes his first major work, "The Potato Eaters," depicting peasant life in the Netherlands. This painting represents his early style and deep empathy for working-class people, characterized by dark, earthy tones. -
Paris and Artistic Transformation
Moves to Paris and is exposed to Impressionist art. This experience dramatically changes his color palette, introducing brighter, more vibrant colors and influencing his subsequent artistic style. -
Arles and the Yellow House
Moves to Arles in southern France, renting the famous Yellow House. This period is marked by intense creativity, including his iconic sunflower series and dreams of creating an artists' colony. -
The Ear Incident
Following a dramatic confrontation with fellow artist Paul Gauguin, Van Gogh infamously cuts off part of his own ear. This event symbolizes his ongoing mental health struggles and emotional turbulence. -
Saint-Rémy Asylum
Voluntarily admits himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. During this period, he creates some of his most famous works, including "The Starry Night," despite battling mental illness. -
Final Days
Shoots himself in a wheat field in Auvers-sur-Oise, sustaining a fatal wound. He dies two days later, with his brother Theo by his side, marking the end of a tumultuous but extraordinarily productive artistic life. -
Artistic Legacy Tribute
Though he sold only one painting during his lifetime, Van Gogh is now recognized as one of the most influential figures in Western art. His unique style and emotional depth have made him a symbol of passionate artistic expression.