Quick Reference Dictionary of Art/The Drawing Place

[Van Gogh Picture]VAN GOGH SELF-PORTRAIT
Vincent van Gogh (1853-90)
Vincent was a brilliant, albeit eccentric, 19th Century Post-Impressionist Dutch artist. Through out his life, he was plagued with violent mood swings, melancholy and depression. It is also believed, he suffered from some form of epilepsy. His art provided him with an emotional release and some degree of emotional stability; however, his relentless obsessive drive to somehow capture and express the true essence of reality in his work, probably contributed to his eventual mental breakdown. He institutionalized himself and ultimately committed suicide at the age of thirty-seven. To add insult to injury, he sold only one painting in his entire life. Nonetheless, he continued to draw and paint almost to the very end. Now, ironically, his paintings are worth millions. The majority of his prodigious output was accomplished during a five year period.

Oh, by the way! Next time you’re at the video store, be sure and check out an old Kirk Douglas movie, A Lust For Life, c.1969. It’s a great story about Van Gogh’s life.

One more thing. Jeff King,at The Art Institute of Dallas, found a great site about Van Gogh. Take a look at it, but please come back when you're finished. You can find the site by going to the "SELECTED VIEWING" page. Once there, find and click on the "VAN GOGH" button. This will take you to the Van Gogh site.
Thanks Jeff!

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