Van Gogh was a largely self-taught artist who went on to change the face of Post-impressionism forever. A troubled yet highly-skilled painter, van Goghs work was an outlet for his emotion, particularly when battling depression. Upon moving to Paris, van Gogh was hugely inspired by the works of the Impressionists and Post-impressionists and he adopted their bright palette and developed a unique style which continues to be emulated by artists to this day.
Working at an often furious pace van Gogh produced more than 2,000 works of art, including around 900 paintings and 1,100 drawings and sketches in his 10-year career. However, he sold only one painting during his lifetime and did not become successful until after his death.
Some of his most famous works include Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Bedroom at Arles. His expressive and emotive use of color and distinct brushwork became hugely popular and massively influenced Expressionism, Fauvism and early abstraction as well as various other aspects of 20th-century art. Today, van Gogh is generally regarded as the greatest Dutch painter since Rembrandt.
Van Goghs unique brushwork and vibrant palette inspired many great artists such as Matisse, Gauguin, Derain, Pollock and Bacon. Each artist adopted and in some cases extended elements of van Goghs style, eager to preserve his famous technique.
Van Gogh´s personal life and most specifically his mental illness has tended to overshadow modern perceptions of his art. However, whatever your belief, van Gogh is regarded as one of history's greatest painters and a vital contributor to the foundations of modern art.
