Van Goch (1853 – 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter. He created 2,100 works of art, which included portraits, self-portraits, landscapes and still life. His work is characterised by bold and expressive brush strokes, and bold vivid colours.
He suffered from rage and hallucinations. There are two different thoughts as to why Van Gogh cut off his own earlobe. The first being he had an argument with friend and fellow artist Gauguin and cut his earlobe of in a fit of rage. The second, after hearing of his brother’s engagement he cut it off and gave it to a prostitute.
Vincent Van Goch was not a commercially successful painter during his lifetime. He was plagued by mental illness, depression and poverty. At the age of 37, he shot himself in the chest, and died two days later.
He lived more than 115 years ago, and his art work is still fascinating and inspiring. He is truly one of the world’s greatest and influential artists.
