Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), born on 30th March 1853 in the Netherlands, is one of the most influential figures in Western art history.

His life was marked by a profound passion for painting and a tumultuous struggle with mental health. Although he produced over 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, he only gained widespread recognition posthumously.

Van Gogh's artistic journey began relatively late. After a brief stint working in the art trade and as a minister, he decided to pursue painting at the age of 27. His early works, such as 'The Potato Eaters', reveal his interest in the lives of the peasantry and everyday reality. However, it was during his time in Paris that he encountered Impressionism and the bold use of colour that profoundly altered his style.

Moving to the south of France in 1888, van Gogh created some of his most revered pieces, including 'The Starry Night' and the series of sunflower paintings. His innovative technique, characterised by vivid colour and expressive brushwork, conveyed intense emotions.

Despite this, his personal life was riddled with despair. Struggling with mental illness, van Gogh famously cut off part of his ear after a dispute with fellow artist Paul Gauguin in Arles.

Throughout his life, van Gogh sold only a handful of paintings, yet his legacy has endured. He believed passionately in the power of colour and emotion, often pouring his own psychological turmoil into his art.

Tragically, he died by suicide on 29th July 1890, at the age of 37, feeling unacknowledged and lost. Today, van Gogh's works command astronomical prices and are celebrated worldwide, reflecting the profound impact he has had on art and culture. His life remains a poignant reminder of the often-turbulent relationship between genius and mental health.