The Life and Works of Vincent Van Gogh415268

Recognized for his use of bright colors and highly recognizable style, Vincent Van Gogh paintings are among the most famous in the world. Notable pieces, such as his 'Starry Night' and self portraits are admired by artists and art enthusiasts alike. Troubled with mental illness, financial ruin, and romantic heartbreak, Vincent's troubled life is reflected in the honesty and emotion that his paintings are known for. His greatest paintings were created in the final two years of his life and are considered to be the most highly recognizable and expensive pieces of art today.

Vincent Van Gogh 's troubled life was plagued with bouts of mental illness. He suffered from many different illnesses, the most notable being temporal lobe epilepsy and depression. As his epilepsy worsened over the years, there were spans of time when he was unable to produce any art at all. Unable to express himself, he slipped into an even deeper depression. By 1889, he began suffering delusions that he was being poisoned and checked himself into an asylum in St. Remy. Though being limited to painting scenes of the asylum's clinic and gardens, Van Gogh produced his most famous piece, 'Starry Night', during this time.

Throughout Vincent Van Gogh's life, he had problems fitting in with proper European society. Troubled with mental illness, he was unable to remain employed for any length of time and failed in many of his romantic pursuits. His outbursts alienated him from colleagues and acquaintances who didn't understand his eccentric ways. His closest friend and brother, Theo, remained with him throughout his life, encouraging him to paint and supporting him financially.

During his short life, Van Gogh only sold one painting, 'The Red Vineyard'. Though his work is internationally recognized today, Europe was not ready for his particular style of artwork while he was alive. His paintings and sketches depicted the world the way that he saw it - beautiful while also being emotionally morbid. Even his use of colour, especially his fondness for golden yellows, can be directly linked to the way that he saw the world around him. His vision was tinted yellow, a side effect of the drug, Digitalis, which he used to help control his epilepsy.

Vincent Van Gogh lived only until his thirty-seventh year. Even so, he still produced some of the world's finest works of art. His work influenced modern art and generations of artists around the world. Though he died before his genius could be recognized, Van Gogh's life and work will live on in the style and creativity of future artists who have studied his work.