Painter · 1853 – 1890

Vincent van Gogh

Little-Known Facts

  • Van Gogh did not begin painting seriously until his late twenties, after failed careers as an art dealer and preacher.
  • He sold famously few paintings during his life, depending on his brother Theo for support.

Myths & Misconceptions

Did Van Gogh cut off his whole ear?

Most evidence indicates he severed part of his left ear, not the entire ear, during a mental crisis in December 1888.