Vincent

I was introduced to the art of Vincent van Gogh at the movies, specifically the incredible performance of Kirk Douglas as Vincent in Vincente Minnelli's film version of "Lust for Life", the novel by Irving Stone.

Vincent's life is well-known not only for the film but also his often poignant letters to his brother Theo. Vincent was Born in Groot-Zundert, Holland. He was the son of a pastor and grew up in a cultured, religious atmosphere.

His decision to become an artist was complicated by two unhappy romances, his lack of self-confidence, and his unsuccessful, short careers as bookstore clerk and art salesman. His career as a 'preacher' in the Borinage, a grim coal mining district in Belgium, ended in his abrupt dismissal for 'being overzealous'.

He remained in Belgium to study art. His works of this period are often crude and somber, a style best exemplified by his 'masterpiece' of the period: 'The Potato Eaters'.

Joining his brother in Paris, Vincent met Pissaro, Monet, Seurat and Gauguin. At first, his brush strokes were short ala the impressionists but lengthened as his own style developed.

He had hoped to establish a school of art in Arles where he was joined by Gauguin. The results were disastrous. The infamous episode in which he is said to have cut off part of his ear may have resulted from either an epileptic fit, a quarrel or both. From that point, Vincent suffered periodic madness.

While under 'treatment' by Dr. Gachet, Vincent shot himself --as he had written --"for the good of all."

Vincent produced his finest work in a period of only three years and sold only one painting in his life. Now --his paintings are priceless and his letters to Theo are preserved as literature.