Vincent Willem van Gogh, born March 30, 1853, is one of the greatest post-impressionist painters. Today marks his 167th anniversary of the Dutch artist. An exceptionally talented artist, van Gogh wasn’t appreciated during his lifetime and rose to popularity after death. In just over a decade-long career, van Gogh produced over 2,000 artworks.

“I dream of my painting and I paint my dream.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh’s paintings often denote the influence of impressionism, with the experimentation of lighter and brighter colours. He was known to have eccentric personality and unstable moods. One such weird story came from 1888 when van Gogh invited fellow artist Paul Gauguin to work with him, but soon, they realised their different perspectives which often resulted in arguments. One day Gauguin threaten Van Gogh to leave and feeling distraught Van Gogh threatened him with a razor. Later that evening, he felt remorse and then cut off a part of his own ear feeling remorse. That also ended their friendship.

Even though his work was genius in itself, he did not receive appreciation in his entire lifetime. Most of his life he suffered from depression, poverty and mental illness. At 37, he shot himself and succumbed to his injuries. Ironically in 1987, 97 years after his death, Van Gogh’s ‘Irises’ (1889) became the most expensive painting ever, fetching US $53.9 million. His work is truly brilliant and one of a kind. Van Gogh went on the create a treasure full of art which inspired millions of artists around the globe. 

(Data Compiled By Shreya Katkar)