Vincent van Gogh the Maverick Genius - A Story of Passion, Tragedy, and Legacy

Vincent Van Gogh was born on 30 March 1853 in Zundert in the southern Netherlands, the son of a pastor. In 1869, he took his first job, working in the Hague branch of the international art dealing firm Goupil’s. During this time he began to write to his younger brother Theo, a correspondence which continued for the rest of Van Gogh's life and gives up such insights into his life.
Van Gogh's moved to London where he briefly worked as a teacher. Later he moved to Paris, again working at Goupil’s but he was dismissed in 1876 for lack of effort. He in finally became deeply involved in Christianity, and worked briefly as a preacher in the Borinage, a mining community in southern Belgium.
After failing at other occupations he decided, in 1880, at the age of 27, to become an artist. He travelled around the Netherlands, teaching himself to draw and paint made possible with the financial support of Theo. In 1886, Van Gogh moved to Paris, where he met Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pissarro and Gauguin, with whom he became friends. His style changed and became looser and lighter under the influence of Impressionism.
In 1888, Van Gogh moved to Provence in southern France, where he painted his famous series 'Sunflowers'. Gauguin joined him but they did not get on well. Gauguin criticised Van Gogh’s work and as a result he attacked Gauguin with a razor. Not long afterwards Van Gogh cut off his ear and took it to a local brothel in Arles.
Time spent in the asylum in Arles, southern France followed where he swung between periods of inertia, depression and incredibly concentrated artistic activity. He was released in late 1890 as ‘cured’ but on the 27 July 1890, Van Gogh shot himself in a field near the church in Auver sur Oise, north of Paris. He died in the Auberge Ravoux, a small bar in Auver sur Oise two days later.

I created this documentary film of the Life of Van Gogh (35 minutes in length) for use in art societies and art groups. The film covers all the major aspects of Vincent Van Gogh's life from his early life in England, his relationship with his brother Theo, through being a preacher to eventually, at the age of 27 , becoming an artist. The film covers all the important elements of his artistic life, including, his moves to Paris and Arles, his most famous paintings including the painting of the sunflowers, his short and turbulent association with Paul Gauguin which contributed to the incident that led to him cutting off of his ear and his move to the asylum at Saint Remy. The video also covers Van Gogh's move to Auver sur Oise, his time spent with Dr Gachet and his final demise in July 1890. Loving Vincent, I wanted to make a special effort to do justice to this very famous artist.

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[nou]

im so thankful van gogh had a brother like theo. he helped him so damn much and never once asked anything back, wonderful heart.

[Trinitori]

Your film really had an impact on my eight year old son. He talks about it all the time and is really moved that Van Gogh suffered so much in his life, had so much support from his brother and died without knowing the appreciation his work would eventually receive. Thank you so much Paul for your wonderful videos.

[Ptrck]

Beautiful video. It brings me to tears the tormented existence of poor Vincent, and you omitted with so much class the most gruesome parts! Pure power and passion. Being as colorful and breathtaking all his paintings always seemed to me an ode to obsession, each stroke done with a maniac fixation. Thank you for the video

[smartn]

I never though I would enjoy art history this much. Thank you Mr. Priestley for such a lively and passionate rendition of Van Gogh's life. I read and watched many article and video about Van Gogh. This one moved me.

[jeremaejumao-as]

The sad truth, people only appreciate the person once he's gone. 🥺

You are bloody amazing in portraying Van Gogh. I felt every emotions. Bravo!

[sundaypainters]

Love the hard work you've put into this video. One of the best on Van Gogh. Feel like I'm there. Thanks

[luiszarate]

Such a tragic and beautiful history as his art it self, indeed beautifully dramatized, deeply indebted for have the opportunity to enjoy it.

[liamariloutenkah]

Thank you, Mr. Priestley, for a well-done and captivating story that introduced me and my 11yr old to the life of Van Gogh.

[josephlowry]

I love Vincent Van Gogh, he my favourite artist of all time and he was wonderful to have an brother like Theo to support Vincent, bless his heart for helping and supporting Vincent, Theo is the nicest brother.

[pmo]

This was so touching, informative, and entertaining. I think you have a bit of Theo and Vincent in your own heart - your generosity, talent, and passion for what you are doing is so unique, human and real, and I'm so happy that there are people like you in this world!

[mmca]

I appreciate all your hard work on these videos and I've watched them all. Thank you for the lovely and very detailed accounts of these artists lives. My husband and I enjoy how you dress up to emulate each artists time period it's so delightful. 💖

[bobblob]

I love how you narrate it :3 full of emotions

[christiantettinek]

I cryed so much. Thank you for making me feel Vincent, my fellow painter. Thank you, I love you, God bless you.

[elizzievb]

I watched Monet and now found this one - great for younger people. And also for old people like me who have studied Vincent in depth. I love the technology that allows you to be IN the paintings! You in his bedroom made me cry. Thank you so much for making this introduction to Vincent - I love him to the very core of my being. xo

[sarabird]

This is just amazing! Thank you for creating a biography of Vincent Van Gogh that all ages can watch and gain insight on this famous artist.

[christinaheesakacowden-wut]

Excellently done Stanley. Wow, I am in awe. What a great way to teach - it can`t get any better than this. 🙂

[tritzispoosa]

His isolation led to so much inner turmoil. He had so much rejection to deal with in his life amongst his genius. He left the world such beauty. Sad life. Thank you for the video Very good acting.

[wileycom]

I can’t thank you enough for this wonderful series. You are a wonder. Your passion and love of Art is palpable. What would this sad unenlightened World be like without people like you? I have visited your channel more times than I can count. In times of happiness it was like visiting an old friend, in harder times it was sometimes my only solace. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[helpyourcattodrive]

I love you’re making the point that he only had a room in Arles … that’s comforting.

[melissaamyx]

I'm so happy to have found your channel here, I've followed your other one for a long time and had no idea this one existed. Paul, you are amazingly awesome!
you deserve an Oscar for this, it's wonderful!