Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages cover image

Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages

Fun Fact Friday - Did Vincent Van Gogh Really Only Sell 1 Painting?

Mar 25, 2022
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.
10:22

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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