Van Gogh’s Troubled Life

Post-impressionism is defined by its lack of formal and singular style. Artists like Paul Cezanne and Paul Gauguin developed their own unique style from the foundations of impressionism. Vincent van Gogh, however, became arguably the most famous artist associated with the post-impressionist movement. Van Gogh expressed his inner thoughts and feelings elegantly with the use of elegant brush strokes, lively colors and unique subject matter. His inspirations, however, stem from a fractured psyche. The purpose of this paper is to explore the life of a struggling man, the influence his life had on his art, and how this influence developed into a style revered by many to this day.

Vincent van Gogh was born in Holland on March 30, 1853 (Charles). He was the oldest of six children. In his teenage years, he worked as a travelling art dealer. His work travels sent him into depression, so he turned to religion, serving a brief stint as a Protestant missionary in Belgium. His health began to decline in his late 20s, around the time he took up painting. Van Gogh's brother, Theo, provided emotional and financial support as the two frequently kept in touch via letter (Tromp). Van Gogh's struggles with health, both mental and physical, persisted until the end of his life. He had frequent bouts with depression and psychotic episodes, even admitting himself into a psychiatric hospital for a full year. Although concerned with his mental state, he continued neglecting his physical self; drinking heavily and maintaining poor eating habits. His deteriorating mental health eventually led to his death at age 37 when he shot himself in the chest. Although fame eluded him during his life, van Gogh has become known as a genius misunderstood. Melissa McQuillen even referred to him as "the artist where discourses on madness and creativity converge" (McQuillen).

Van Gogh's troubled life heavily influenced his art. Impressionism dominated the artistic style of his time, but van Gogh's pieces seemed to portray a darker, more troubled mood, as depicted in The Night Cafe. His early teachers and peers rejected his work, which led to more feelings of loneliness and seclusion (Poor Yorick). He became close friends with post-impressionism pioneer Paul Gauguin, at which time van Gogh began experimenting with his own form of post-impressionist style. These stylistic changes can be seen in the progression of his many self-portraits throughout the years. As van Gogh was growing as an artist, however, his internal struggles and mental state began to take its toll. His friendship with Gauguin deteriorated to the point of confrontation, at which time van Gogh lost consciousness and used a razor blade to sever part of his own ear. Shortly thereafter he was admitted to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, where he painted one of his most famous pieces, The Starry Night.

Vincent van Gogh corresponded frequently with his brother, Theo, while inside the asylum. He discussed the circumstances surrounding the inception and creation of The Starry Night in one of these letters, saying "Through the iron-barred window I can make out a square of wheat in an enclosure, a perspective in the manner of Van Goyen, above which in the morning I see the sun rise in its glory" (van Gogh). As you look at this painting, you can see the beautiful scene portrayed in swirling and uncertain fashion. Although this is an obvious depiction of the night sky, which we can all see, it reflects the view of a man contemplative, reflective, but ultimately not lucid. For me, learning that he painted this work from a mental health hospital after a disturbing confrontation with a close friend adds depth and significance to the flowing brushstrokes and distorted viewpoint. I see the musings of a man spending his life trying overcome his mental illness; a man deprived of long-term, meaningful relationships. We often find ourselves staring at the night sky in contemplative fashion, as I'm sure van Gogh was on the night he painted The Starry Night. The viewer can feel that contemplative tone while taking in this piece, as I'm sure van Gogh intended. The genius of this piece lies in its conception and stylistic uniqueness.

Eccentric, dark, unstable, brilliant: Vincent van Gogh can be characterized by any one and all of these adjectives. A man seemingly desperate to be understood expressed his inner struggles through art. Influenced by pioneer artists in the post-impressionism genre, van Gogh developed a style easily recognizable to this day. His personal life has captivated historians and artists alike. The incredibly well-structured letters to his brother, his deeply reflective quotes, seemingly impulsive and irrational actions, all paint the picture of, as was said earlier, "the artist where discourses on madness and creativity converge" (McQuillen). Vincent van Gogh's artwork has become a staple in the post-impressionist genre. It paved the way for new types of expression through art by provoking specific emotions and feelings (not always pleasant). Although his life was one finalized by tragedy, the legacy of Vincent van Gogh will forever transcend his mere contributions to art history. Insights gained from his personal letters, experiences, and his art all contribute to his legacy as one of the most influential artists in his era.

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