Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Understand
Rich Afterlife
While Van Gogh would come to be regarded as a giant among artists, he sold only one painting during his life-
time (
Red Vineyard at Arles
, in case you're wondering; it hangs at Moscow's Pushkin Museum). Fame didn't
arrive until a few decades after his death, and Van Gogh has his sister-in-law Johanna (Theo's wife) to thank for
it. Johanna came from a wealthy Amsterdam family and used her connections to promote Vincent's work. She
did a heckuva job - his
Portrait of Dr Gachet
(US$82 million) and
Irises
(US$54 million) are among the most
expensive paintings ever sold. It's a far cry from the 400 francs (US$1600) he earned on his lone paycheck for a
canvas.
Earliest Works (1883-85)
The room with Van Gogh's earliest works is filled with shadowy, sombre works from his
time in the Dutch countryside and in Antwerp. He was particularly obsessed with peasants
and 'painting dark that is nevertheless light'.
The Potato Eaters
(1885) is his most famous
work from this period.
Still Life with Bible
(1885) shows his religious inclination. The
burnt-out candle is said to represent the recent death of his father, who was a Protestant
minister.
Skeleton with Burning Cigarette
(1886) was painted when Van Gogh was a stu-
dent at Antwerp's art academy.
Paris Self-Portraits (1886-87)
In March 1886 Van Gogh moved to Paris, where his brother Theo was working as an art
dealer. There his palette changed under the influence of the Impressionists. Dip into the
Paris room and check out the many self-portraits. Van Gogh wanted to master the art of
portraiture, but was too poor to pay for models.
Sunflowers in Arles (1888-89)
In 1888 Van Gogh left for Arles in Provence to delve into its colourful landscapes. The
room devoted to this period hangs an awesome line-up of
Sunflowers
(1889) and other
blossoms. Also here is
The Bedroom
(1888), which depicts Van Gogh's sleeping quarters
at the house where he intended to start an artists colony with Paul Gauguin. 1888 is per-
haps most notorious as the year Van Gogh sliced off part of his ear.
