Despite taking his life at the age of 37, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy includes 864 paintings and over 1300 other pieces on paper. Documented by a series of letters to his brother, his artistic journey was not only of the adoption of Impressionist color and brushstroke styles but in his daring nature to experiment with emotion and the meaning of his pieces through a variety of compositions and less conventional backgrounds.
Reflected by the complexity of his unique style is his struggle with fluctuations in mental health – earning himself the label “mad redhead”. From heated arguments and fragile friendships to cutting off his own ear and shooting himself in the chest, Van Gogh’s life was a tragic roller coaster ride and sadly his legacy truly captured people’s attention and has continued to do so, years after his suicide.