Van Gogh’s first works reflected the harsh reality of life of ordinary people. The painting “Potato Eaters” became a symbol of his sympathy for the poor and hard work, writes Focus. But the real change came after moving to Paris, where he met the Impressionists. His style changed dramatically: dark tones gave way to bright colors, and strokes became more dynamic and expressive.
The uniqueness of his painting lies in the fact that he sought to convey not the external appearance of the world, but internal feelings. This is especially noticeable in “Starry Night”, where the sky literally “moves” and the colors enhance the emotional perception. This approach made him one of the forerunners of Expressionism.
Often van Gogh’s work is associated with his mental state. The story of the severed ear and periods of treatment in a psychiatric clinic gave rise to the myth of the “mad genius”. However, his letters reveal a deep awareness and understanding of his own art. He consciously used color as a means of expressing emotion.
During his lifetime, the artist sold only one painting and depended on the help of his brother Theo. He died at the age of 37 without ever being recognized. But shortly after his death, his work began to rapidly gain popularity.
Today, van Gogh’s paintings are worth tens of millions of dollars, and his influence is felt throughout modern art. His story is an example of how innovation can be misunderstood by contemporaries, but in time change the cultural world forever.
