Friday 9 July 2010

Vincent Van Gogh


At my art group we have been studying Van Gogh. I hadn't realised how much work he produced in his very short life (37 years). He didn't start painting until his late twenties and much of his most famous work was produced during the last two years of his life. He produced more than 2,000 artworks (900 paintings and 1,100 sketches) and I believe he only sold one during his life.

The self portrait above is more uncommon as most he painted show himself with a beard. This particular one sold for $71.5 million in 1998.
My favourites are 'The Peasant Couple Going To Work'



and 'The Siesta'



Of course, it is well known that he was a very troubled man. I find this painting ('At Eternity's Gate') haunting as he produced this in the last year of his life.

On 27th July 1890 Van Gogh shot himself in the chest and died two days later from his wounds. His brother reported his last words to be "La tristesse durera toujours" (the sadness will last forever).

I bought the single record of Don McLean's song 'Vincent' in 1972. Here it is on youtube, it never ceases to bring a tear to my eye.

5 comments:

  1. I have heard that song on the radio before but didn't know it was about Vincent Van Gogh. I have just listened to it again and this time I who it is about.
    I like many of his painting, he was a great artist. I love his choice of colours and his unique style.
    Have a lovely weekend
    Isabelle x

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a lovely tribute to Mr. Van Gogh. I've heard that song for years and really never knew it was about Van Gogh.

    Our son, Jordan, passed away last year and Starry Starry Night was his favorite painting of all time.

    I enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing. It brought tears to my eyes.......

    xo
    becky

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing the video and song, I love that song and as Isabelle said, never realised who it was about. I not so long ago managed to buy a framed print in a CS, which I really love! It is a shame that some of the most gifted and creative people, also seem to suffer from within...

    ReplyDelete
  4. That brought back sharp memories... I love the song Vincent by Don Mclean .. and how poignant it is too.

    The last art group I belonged to was mostly elderly folk who were amazing artists.. and I thought I was going to be the eldest!

    Michele xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. I remember Vincent by Don McLean being played in our household. It is a lovely track, and I shall click on your link to play. My Mum bought us a copy! of Irises when me and J got our first place together. I hope you are enjoying the art club. x

    ReplyDelete