zaro

How old was Vincent when he became an artist?

Published in Art History 3 mins read

Vincent van Gogh was 27 years old when he made the pivotal decision to become an artist. This choice marked a significant turning point in his life and ultimately reshaped the landscape of art history forever.

The Turning Point in Vincent Van Gogh's Life

Before dedicating himself to art, Vincent van Gogh explored various paths, including working as an art dealer and a missionary. It was in 1880, at the age of 27, that he formally committed to pursuing art. This decision, though relatively late in life compared to many artists who began their training in childhood, ignited a period of intense self-study and artistic development that would define his legacy.

Why 27? A Journey of Discovery

Van Gogh's journey to becoming an artist was not linear. His earlier experiences, though seemingly unrelated, contributed to his unique perspective and profound empathy, which later became hallmarks of his art.

  • Early Career Attempts: Before 1880, Vincent worked in:
    • Art dealing with Goupil & Cie.
    • Teaching at a boarding school.
    • Bookselling.
    • Evangelism among coal miners in Borinage, Belgium.
  • The Revelation: His experiences, particularly among the working class in Borinage, deeply affected him and solidified his desire to express humanity and nature through artistic means. He began sketching seriously, often depicting the lives of peasants and laborers.

Impact on Art History

Despite his relatively late start and a short active career of only about a decade, Vincent van Gogh produced an astonishing body of work, including over 2,000 artworks, consisting of around 860 oil paintings and more than 1,300 watercolors, drawings, and sketches. His vibrant use of color, expressive brushwork, and emotional depth laid foundational groundwork for modern art, particularly influencing Fauvism and Expressionism.

Key Periods in Van Gogh's Artistic Journey:

Period Approximate Years Focus/Style Notable Works
Dutch 1880-1886 Dark, earthy tones; depictions of peasant life The Potato Eaters (1885)
Paris 1886-1888 Adoption of Impressionist/Neo-Impressionist techniques; brighter palette; self-portraits Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat (1887)
Arles 1888-1889 Vibrant colors, swirling brushstrokes; landscapes, portraits, still life Sunflowers, The Night Café, Bedroom in Arles (all 1888)
Saint-Rémy 1889-1890 Intensified color and emotion; cypress trees, olive groves The Starry Night (1889), Irises (1889)
Auvers-sur-Oise 1890 Emotional intensity; final works Wheatfield with Crows (1890)

Van Gogh's decision at 27 to pursue art was not just a personal one; it profoundly impacted the trajectory of art, inspiring generations of artists to embrace emotional expression and individual style. To explore more about his transformative journey, visit the Van Gogh Museum's official website.