Why did Van Gogh find himself often immensely rich?

Van Gogh’s painting career lasted 10 years. Without the succes he deserved. Financially supported by his brother. With life threatening mental breakdowns. What gave him the drive to keep painting? To keep developing his style? Maybe Vincent’s own words explain best:

“In my view, I am often immensely rich, not in money, but (although just now perhaps not all the time) rich because I have found my metier, something I can devote myself to heart and soul and that gives inspiration and meaning to my life.”

Vincent, a healthy man with a smile on his face.

The first time Vincent met his sister in law (Jo van Gogh - Bonger) was in Paris. Vincent stayed three days with Theo and Jo on his way from Saint-Rémy to Auvers-sûr-Oise. Vincent had left the asylum and Jo was surprised to see him so healthy:

"I had expected a sick man, but here was a sturdy, broad-shouldered man, with a healthy colour, a smile on his face, and a very resolute appearance; of all the self-portraits, the one before the easel is most like him at that period... (on mobile scroll down to see the self-portrait) He seems perfectly well; he looks much stronger than Theo,” was my first thought.”

Masterpieces everywhere.

"He stayed with us three days, and was cheerful and lively all the time. St. Rémy was not mentioned. He went out by himself to buy olives, which he used to eat every day and which he insisted on our eating too. The first morning he was up very early and was standing in his shirt sleeves looking at his pictures, of which our apartment was full. The walls were covered with them - in the bedroom, the “Orchards in Bloom”; in the dining room over the mantelpiece, the "Potato Eaters”; in the sitting room (salon was too solemn a name for that cosy little room), the great "Landscape from Arles” and the “Night View on the Rhône”. Besides, to the great despair of our femme de ménage, there were under the bed, under the sofa, under the cupboards in the little spare room, huge piles of un-framed canvases; they were now spread out on the ground and studied with great attention.”

Full of energy to Auvers

After his short stay in Paris Vincent took off to Auvers-sûr-Oise with great enthusiasm to continue working on his art. There he completed another series of masterpieces with 100% devotion like Thatched Cottages at Cordeville and Wheat Field with Crows.

"..of all the self-portraits, the one before the easel is most like him at that period."

Bring some of Van Gogh's spirit to your home.

Did you see your favorite Van Gogh in a museum? With more than 20 years experience we try to capture the beauty of Vincent's artworks by painting them just like he did. Brushes, oil paint, canvas, endless practise and unlimited admiration for the master.

You may also like to read:

• Thank you Jo van Gogh - Bonger