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Over the centuries, the visionary talents of the art world have left an indelible and undeniable mark on society. The extent to which international, cultural, and social history has been shaped by the contributions of phenomenal artists is unquantifiable. The Artsper team is here to unveil the life and artwork of the world’s most highly-rated painter, and share precisely how he has come to claim such adoration from art lovers, collectors, and exhibition curators through the ages. Welcome to the world of Vincent van Gogh! An artist remembered for his pioneering compositional style, boundless talent, and unique artistic vision…
It is without doubt that Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch post-impressionist master, has won the hearts of art historians and enthusiasts for centuries. Indeed, the coveted title of “most highly-rated painter” is one which he has certainly claimed. A key figure in the history of Western art, Van Gogh was born in the Netherlands in 1853. Often regarded as a solemn and thoughtful character, he began his career as an art dealer, almost certainly having benefited from the artistic inclinations of his upper-middle class family. Over the course of his career as a painter, it is believed that the artist produced about 2,100 artworks. 860 of these were oil paintings. Despite famously selling only one painting during his lifetime, his posthumous recognition skyrocketed, solidifying his place in art history.
The tumultuous life of Van Gogh was marked by some profound and consistent emotional challenges. It is said that the highly-rated painter suffered incessantly with psychotic episodes and delusions, which lead him to develop a dependence on alcohol and incredibly poor mental health. After a particularly tense confrontation with his contemporary and fellow Post-impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin, Van Gogh severed his own ear using a razor. He was able to remember nothing from this event. Despite the incredible psychological obstacles faced by the artist, his artistic prowess shone through his art. Today, he is remembered for his self-portraiture, swirling landscape and floral depictions, and still-life works.
Van Gogh’s paintings resonate deeply with audiences due to their emotive power and vibrant colors. His work is often characterized by dramatic, dreamlike, and impulsive brushwork. This was very much in line with the Post-impressionist inclinations of the time. His unique style is exemplified in some of the artist’s most famous pieces, including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Irises. The Starry Night, now on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art, depicts the east-facing view from Van Gogh’s room at the asylum of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in 1880. The meticulously detailed and somewhat utopian brushstrokes of the piece evoke a great sense of wonder and nostalgia in the viewer. Our gaze is invited to roam over the billowing patterns in the night sky.
The talents of this highly-rated painter lay in his ability to capture the essence of his subject matter, whether it be a solemn self-depiction or an investigation into floral compositions. Owing to the artist’s unique brush technique and compositional innovation, his artwork is marked by an unmistakable energy and passion. If you’re looking for works of a similar Post-impressionist style, be sure to explore our curated collection of works!
As we have briefly mentioned, the artist only sold one painting during his lifetime, The Red Vineyard which he completed in 1988. The genius of Vincent Van Gogh was only brought to light posthumously. This was much owing to the tireless efforts of his surviving sister-in-law. Jo Van Gogh-Bonger married Theo Van Gogh, Vincent’s brother, before his death in 1891. Jo was left with hundreds of Vincent’s unsold masterpieces and letters between the brothers. She therefore opened a guest house in memory of her husband and brother-in-law. It was through these efforts that the artist’s work entered the art market and into public consciousness.
Today, museums worldwide proudly display Van Gogh’s works, attracting millions of visitors who are captivated by his mastery. In 1990, Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Paul Gachet sold at auction for a record-breaking $83 million. Today, this would be worth $193 million. Moreover, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the most extensive collection of his paintings. These shed a further light on his life and artistic journey. His pieces are also prominently exhibited in other renowned institutions. These include the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the National Gallery in London.
Finally, Vincent van Gogh’s artistic genius and the profound impact of his works make him the most highly rated painter in the world. His ability to translate his emotions onto canvas, coupled with his distinctive style and use of color, continues to inspire and move audiences today. Van Gogh’s legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to touch the human soul.
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