Vincent Van Gogh 1853 – 1890

A 19th-century painter, Van Gogh is almost as famous for life story and mental instability as for his vivid paintings. His career as an artist lasted only 10 years and coincided with frequent bouts of depression and anguish; in a famous 1888 incident he slashed off his left earlobe with a razor. It is for this incident that he is best known. He is closely associated with the town of Arles in the south of France, where he created many of his greatest paintings. Among his best-known works are The Potato Eaters (1885), Starry Night (1889), and Irises (1889). He was influenced by Impressionism, Japanese prints and Jean-Francoise Millet. He in turn influenced many expressionist artists. He died in Auvers, France two days after shooting himself in the chest with a pistol.