Vincent Willem van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter renowned for his bold colors, symbolic imagery, and dynamic brushwork. Despite selling only one painting during his lifetime, his legacy soared after his tragic suicide at age 37, following years of mental illness and financial hardship.

Born into an upper-middle-class family, Van Gogh's early works focused on still lifes and peasant laborers. Moving to Paris in 1886, he experimented and collaborated with avant-garde artists like Gauguin.

Settling in Arles in 1888, Van Gogh's art flourished, capturing the vibrant landscapes of southern France. However, his mental health deteriorated, leading to episodes of psychosis and the infamous incident where he severed part of his own ear during a confrontation with Gauguin. He died by suicide in 1890.

Van Gogh's posthumous recognition skyrocketed, and his emotionally charged works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, with his museum in Amsterdam housing the largest collection of his paintings and drawings. He remains an enduring icon of artistic brilliance and tortured genius.