Facts about van Gogh
When we think about art, starry nights, or a beautiful night sky, the first person to come to mind is Vincent van Gogh. One of the most celebrated artists in history, van Gogh’s art was filled with emotions, movement, drama, and a unique style very few have been able to replicate. His artworks today are loved and admired by all, be it the iconic night sky painting or the series of sunflowers and lilies, but back in the day, van Gogh struggled, spent countless nights in mental asylums, and almost took his own life.
Here we mention 6 facts about van Gogh that very few people know of.
His paintings
A fact very few people know about van Gogh is that he created over a thousand paintings in the short span he was an artist. It is estimated that he made about 900 oil paintings, and more drawings and sketches. In fact at times, he even had to paint over some artworks, or on the backside of the same paper or canvas, so he could fit his creations.
Some even say that going by the sheer numbers and calculations, van Gogh probably made a new painting everyday for 10 years!
A saddening figure
One of the most saddening figures from his life was the single painting he sold!
Although van Gogh is known well today, and art collectors would give anything to acquire his paintings, when van Gogh was alive, he only sold one painting. Despite his talent, he struggled to sell his art and his brother Theo managed to sell one known painting, ‘The Red Vineyard’.
And because of this van Gogh lived in extreme poverty, relying on financial support.
He was not always an artist
Many assume that van Gogh was a child prodigy who painted from a young age and created masterpieces over the years. But this isn't true.
Vincent van Gogh only seriously pursued art in his late 20s, some saying he started painting at 27, and before that, he tried several careers, including working as an art dealer, a schoolteacher, and even a bookseller
His letters
Vincent van Gogh also wrote letters in his lifetime, mostly to his brother Theo.
It is believed that van Gogh was a prolific letter writer and wrote more than 800 letters to his greatest supporter, his younger brother Theo. In the letters Gogh wrote about his thoughts, emotions, and struggles, and also his battles with mental illness, his hopes and fears.Today, these letters are considered invaluable historical documents.
Did van Gogh really cut his ear?
Some people think that van Gogh’s painting ‘Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear’ was just a prop. But in reality, van Gogh did cut off his ear after an argument with a fellow artist.
It is said that van Gogh once had an argument with Paul Gauguin, a fellow artist and a friend, and as Gogh was suffering with mental breakdowns at the time, he cut off his ear in agony. And while some say that he only cut off a part of his ear, new reports suggest that he had cut off his whole ear in the process.
The cause of death
It is still not established how van Gogh died!
The official story of van Gogh’s death is that he shot himself in the chest and managed to walk to the inn where he was staying. Reports say that van Gogh shot himself with a 7mm Lefaucheux revolver, and then died two days later with Theo beside him.
But some theories suggest that van Gogh was accidentally shot by local boys who used to tease him.
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