Vincent Van Gogh remains as one of the most influential and beloved dutch artists in history. Born in the Netherlands in 1853, Van Gogh had a relatively short but profoundly impactful career. His paintings reflect his inner turmoil, love of nature, and fascination with the world around him.
Although largely unappreciated during his lifetime, Van Gogh’s art now speaks to people across cultures for its ability to convey beauty, passion, and the human condition. His influence extends far beyond his own lifetime, shaping future generations of artists. Here are four curiosities about Vincent Van Gogh that even some of his biggest admirers might not know:
1. He Created Over 2,000 Works in 10 Years
Between 1880 and his death in 1890, Van Gogh was incredibly prolific, producing more than 2,000 pieces of art, including 860 oil paintings and more than 1,000 drawings. He was known for painting with intense energy, sometimes completing multiple works in a single day. His drive to capture the world around him often seemed like a battle against time, which may explain the urgency in his brushstrokes.
2. He Only Sold One Painting in His Lifetime
Despite being one of the most famous artists in history today, Van Gogh sold only one painting while he was alive. The painting, The Red Vineyard, was sold for 400 francs in Belgium in 1890, just months before his death. His fame and recognition only skyrocketed after his passing, thanks to the efforts of his brother’s wife, Johanna, who preserved and promoted his work.
3. He Painted Over His Own Canvases
Van Gogh often reused his canvases to save money, painting over his older works. It’s estimated that nearly one-third of his paintings have earlier pieces hidden beneath them. Modern technology, like X-rays, has revealed some of these hidden layers, providing a fascinating glimpse into his artistic evolution.
4. He Was Greatly Influenced by Japanese Art
The 19th century art was influenced by Japonisme and Van Gogh was no different. He was inspired by Japanese prints known as ukiyo-e, with bold colors, strong outlines, and depictions of nature. They taught him a new way of looking at the world and inspired him modernise his own art.
In one of his letters to his brother Theo, Vincent said: "All my work is based to some extent on Japanese art".
Explore the Van Gogh's world with Sapiens Travel DMC
Step into the vibrant world of Vincent Van Gogh, where art, emotion, and inspiration converge. Below, we suggest you three different ways to immerse yourself in a journey that goes beyond mere admiration—discover the essence of this legendary artist through three unforgettable experiences.
1. Private Guided Tour to Van Gogh Museum & Kroller-Muller Museum. When it comes to admiring Van Gogh’s work, two places rise above the rest. These museums offer not only the finest collections of his art but also insights into the man behind the brushstrokes.
Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam, Netherlands. It houses the largest and most important collection of Van Gogh’s work. Spanning his early, darker years to the vibrant, emotional pieces of his later period, this museum presents more than just art—it tells a story. Highlights include masterpieces such as Sunflowers and The Bedroom, along with personal letters that provide a glimpse into the artist’s thoughts and struggles. As you explore the galleries, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how Van Gogh evolved as an artist and why his work continues to resonate today.
Kröller-Müller Museum – Otterlo, Netherlands. Tucked away in the stunning Hoge Veluwe National Park, this museum offers an intimate and serene setting to admire Van Gogh’s work. It boasts the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world, featuring gems like The Café Terrace at Night and The Sower. What sets this museum apart is its unique setting—a vast outdoor sculpture garden that complements the collection, echoing the natural beauty that so often inspired Van Gogh himself. It’s a must-visit for those looking to experience his art in a more reflective, tranquil environment. Learn more about our private tour here.
2. Paint Like Van Gogh: A Private Workshop in Amsterdam. Take a refreshing break from sightseeing and dive into a private painting workshop inspired by Van Gogh’s techniques. Led by a local artist and Van Gogh specialist in the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood, this exclusive two-and-a-half-hour workshop allows you to explore Van Gogh’s unique style—characterized by his vivid brushstrokes, love for natural scenes, and influences from Japanese printmaking. Learn more here.
3. Walk in Van Gogh’s Footsteps: Discover Nuenen. The village of Nuenen is also known as Van Gogh Village, and rightly so. There isn’t a place in the Netherlands where you can tread in the footsteps of this famous painter quite so literally. Here, stories about Van Gogh are still vividly told, his letters are available for reading, and there are no fewer than fourteen locations which have been immortalised by Van Gogh in a picture or a painting. Experiencing Van Gogh’s life in the Netherlands so intensely is not possible anywhere else. Learn more here.
This thematic route connects the five Van Gogh heritage locations in Brabant, which of course include Nuenen. You won’t get any closer to Van Gogh than this. Or, as one of our enthusiastic guests wrote about Nuenen: “The same view that Van Gogh had!” Come and experience the place in which Van Gogh was inspired by the rural Brabant countryside, easily accessible at no more than ten kilometres away from Eindhoven, city of technology and design.
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