Fun Fact Friday - Did Vincent Van Gogh Really Only Sell 1 Painting?
Mar 25, 2022
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Vincent van Gogh, a legendary figure in art history, discusses his commercial success and the truth about him only selling one painting during his lifetime. The podcast explores his sales, trades, and collaborations, as well as his relationship with his brother and efforts to adapt his work. It also highlights the role of his sister in promoting his art and the power of his unique perspective.
Van Gogh sold more than one painting during his lifetime, thanks to other artists and collectors appreciating his talent and trading/purchasing his works.
Theo Van Gogh, Vincent's brother, played a crucial role in supporting and promoting Vincent's work, while his widow, Joe, continued to build his legacy after his death through selling his paintings, loaning them for exhibitions, and publishing his letters.
Deep dives
Vincent Van Gogh sold more than one painting during his lifetime
Contrary to popular belief, Vincent Van Gogh sold more than one painting during his lifetime. While he was not a huge commercial success, his talent was appreciated by other artists in his circle who traded paintings with him and collectors who purchased his works. The myth that he only sold one painting stems from the fact that he was not commercially successful and had difficulty selling certain works. However, Van Gogh was not a solitary artist, as he collaborated with others and adapted his style based on the trends of the time.
Theo Van Gogh played a crucial role in building Vincent's legacy
Theo Van Gogh, Vincent's brother, played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting Vincent's work. He acted as Vincent's art dealer and sold at least one of his paintings to a gallery in London. After Theo's premature death, his widow, Joe, took over the task of building Vincent's legacy. She sold his paintings, loaned them for exhibitions, and published the letters exchanged between Vincent and Theo. Their efforts helped to increase the appreciation and value of Vincent Van Gogh's artwork after his death.
Vincent van Gogh is a legendary figure in art history. He is one of my favorite artists and his paintings sell for tens of millions of dollars today, but it is often said that he sold only one painting during his lifetime.