Oil paints are one of the most influential mediums in art history. Being the preferred medium by many innovative artists such as Salvador Dalí, Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Van Gogh’s story is often referred to as a tragedy of a mad man. However, there was always one constant relationship that would nurture and care for Vincent until the very end, and it was with his younger brother Theodorus.
There came a time in Vincent’s life when he was at a crossroad for his future. With persuasion from Theo, Vincent decided to dedicate his life to art. He moved in with Theo and was introduced to a few early expressionist oil painters of the time. This transformed Vincent’s large oil painting style into one of vibrancy and soul compared to his earlier work. With the financial help from Theo, Vincent moved into The Yellow House where he would dedicate his time to paint. About a year later, Vincent admitted himself to a hospital where he would then create 150 paintings in the span of one year including the famous post-impressionist landscape painting, The Starry Night. Soon after, he moved near Theo and continued to paint. Instead of constantly writing to each other as they did when they lived apart, the brothers lived close enough to spend time together. In July 1890, Vincent passed away and had a small but beautiful funeral with his work all along the plot and sunflowers upon his casket.
Upon Theo’s death a year later, his wife Johanna advocated for the late Vincent by lending his large landscape, portrait, and still life oil paintings to museums and galleries. She would later go on to publish the 651 letters sent between Theo and Vinecent. The passion for preserving and expanding exposure of Van Gogh’s artwork was passed down to her son, Vincent. Their hard work led to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and let Van Gogh become a household name.
