On March 30, 1853, Vincent van Gogh was born into a Dutch family where faith and discipline played a central role—his father was a Protestant minister, and his early life was shaped by both religious and artistic influences. Despite a life marked by personal struggles, Van Gogh’s passion for art never wavered. His masterpieces, including Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Bedroom, showcase a distinct Post-Impressionist style with bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a raw emotional depth that still captivates audiences today.

Van Gogh didn’t create in isolation; he was deeply inspired by nature, Japanese woodblock prints, and the work of painters like Jean-François Millet, whose scenes of peasant life resonated with his own worldview. Though he sold only a single painting during his lifetime, his impact on art history is immeasurable. His influence can be seen in the works of artists such as Edvard Munch and Francis Bacon, as well as in modern pop culture—his story has been explored in books, films, and even the beloved Doctor Who episode Vincent and the Doctor, which poignantly reimagines his struggles.

His thoughts on life and art were as profound as his paintings. He once wrote, “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Art critic Robert Hughes later remarked, “To see Van Gogh’s work is to feel, almost physically, the intensity of his vision.” These words capture the essence of his artistic journey—one filled with passion, pain, and an unrelenting pursuit of beauty.

More than a century after his passing, Van Gogh’s legacy continues to thrive. His art, once misunderstood, is now celebrated in museums, reproduced in countless forms, and studied by artists and scholars alike. His life reminds us that creativity often comes with struggle, but its impact can transcend time.