The artist who is famously known for having only one painting certainly sold during his lifetime is Vincent van Gogh.
The Unique Sale of The Red Vineyard
Among his vast body of work, The Red Vineyard stands out not just for its dramatically coloured Provençal landscape but also as the single artwork that can be definitively confirmed as sold by the artist himself. This makes it a unique piece in the legacy of one of art history's most renowned figures.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | Vincent van Gogh |
| Painting Sold | The Red Vineyard (also known as The Red Vineyards at Arles) |
| Significance | The only painting Van Gogh is certain to have sold during his lifetime. |
| Characteristics | Noted for its dramatic colors and depiction of a Provençal landscape. |
Understanding Van Gogh's Sales History
Despite creating thousands of drawings and paintings throughout his career, Van Gogh's commercial success during his lifetime was minimal. This makes the sale of The Red Vineyard a particularly poignant and significant event in his biography.
- A Rare Event: The sale of The Red Vineyard was an exception rather than the norm for Van Gogh, highlighting the struggles many artists face in gaining recognition and financial stability during their active careers.
- The Buyer: The painting, completed in November 1888, was sold for 400 francs (a modest sum at the time) to Anna Boch, a Belgian painter and art collector who was also the sister of Eugène Boch, another artist Van Gogh had painted.
- Historical Context: This singular confirmed sale underscores the posthumous rise to fame that Van Gogh achieved, with his works now among the most celebrated and valuable in the world.
- Further Exploration: For more detailed information on this iconic sale and its journey through history, you can explore reputable sources such as The Art Newspaper's article on its unique path: How did the only painting sold by Van Gogh in his lifetime end up in Russia?
