Vincent van Gogh

From Selling One Painting to Becoming the Most Famous Artist in History

creative
Vincent van Gogh

Net Worth

$0

Born

March 30, 1853 (died age 37)

Country

Netherlands

Occupation

Artist, Painter

Gender

male

Generation

Greatest Generation

Marital Status

single

Children

0

Single Parent Household

No

Education

Self-Taught

Industries

creative

Wealth Category

unknown

Wealth Origin

self-made

First-Gen Wealth

Yes

Overcame

  • • Failed at four careers before becoming artist at 27
  • • Suffered severe mental illness throughout life
  • • Sold only one painting during lifetime
  • • Lived in poverty, dependent on brother's financial support
  • • Cut off part of his ear during mental breakdown

Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who created over 2,100 artworks in just a decade. He sold only one painting during his life and died unknown at 37. Today he is one of the most famous and influential artists in history, with paintings that sell for over $100 million. His story is the ultimate example of genius unrecognized in its time.

Career Timeline

1853

Born in Zundert, Netherlands, exactly one year after stillborn brother

1869 Age 16
Turning Point

Started working at art dealership Goupil & Cie

1876 Age 23
Setback

Fired from art dealership; became teacher, then preacher

1880 Age 27
Turning Point

Decided to become artist; started formal training

1885 Age 32
Milestone

Painted The Potato Eaters; father died

1886 Age 33
Turning Point

Moved to Paris; discovered Impressionism and Japanese prints

1888 Age 35
Milestone

Moved to Arles; painted Sunflowers, The Yellow House

1888 Age 35
Setback

Cut off part of his ear after argument with Gauguin

1889 Age 36
Milestone

Entered asylum at Saint-Rémy; painted The Starry Night

1890 Age 37
Achievement

Sold The Red Vineyard—the only painting sold in lifetime

1890 Age 37

Shot himself; died two days later in Auvers-sur-Oise

Notable Quotes

"I dream my painting and I paint my dream."

— Letter to Theo, 1888

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."

— Letter to Theo, 1883

"The sadness will last forever."

— Last words to Theo, 1890

"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."