IndexBiographyArtwork“The Potato Eaters”“Starry Night”“Sunflowers”“Paul Ferdinand Gachet”Self-PortraitsConclusionVincent van Gogh was quoted as saying: “I put the heart and soul into my work and lost my mind in the process” (2017). He is often remembered as the artist who cut off his own ear, lending credence to his own claims. Mental illness aside, Van Gogh is also one of the most accomplished artists in history. Although he didn't achieve any significant fame until after his death, the creations he gifted the world allowed him to gain a slice of proverbial immortality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original EssayBiographyVincent can Gogh was born on March 30, 1853 to Theodorus van Gogh and Anna Cornelia Carbentus, the eldest of six children (Biography.com Editors 2017). The family lived in Groot-Zundert, the Netherlands. At the age of 15 he left school to help his family financially; and began working for his uncle, an art dealer. He was later fired from his position due to instability following a romantic rejection. Van Gogh found religion as a calling after his dismissal. He taught at a Methodist school for boys and later as a minister of the Church of Belgium (Biography.com Editors 2017). Van Gogh was relieved of both posts because he did not respect the general ideologies of the churches; at school because he refused to take an exam required to become a minister, and from his appointment to the Church of Belgium for his personal opinions and attitudes. Faced with numerous romantic and professional rejections, Vincent van Gogh saw many periods of depression. His only known mutual relationship was with a prostitute named Clasina Maria Hoornik (Biography Editors 2017). She served not only as his companion for a time, but was also a model and muse. Ultimately, he decided to return to his previous profession; leaving van Gogh in a deep state of depression. This inspired him to delve into art in nature, adopting a nomadic lifestyle in the wilderness for six weeks. In 1886, van Gogh decided to move to Paris. Upon his arrival he was so inspired by Impressionist art that he decided to immerse himself in the study of the genre. He engaged in the independent study of movement and techniques, developing working relationships with other important artists such as Camille Pissarro and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Biography.com Editors 2017). Van Gogh, however, soon developed problems with his wives, criticizing their work. Soon after, he moved to Arles, France, on the recommendation of Toulouse-Lautrec, due to van Gogh's interest in Japanese art. It was during this time that his mental health really worsened. He was noted to eat paint and drink turpentine, as he chose to spend his money on art supplies instead of food (Biography.com Editors 2017). After arguing with a chaperone appointed by his brother Theo, Vincent cut off his ear; this act caused him to be admitted to a mental hospital. In 1889, in response to a public petition, he chose to be committed to an asylum due to his mental health (Biography.com Editors 2017). During his time in the asylum, inspired by the nearby gardens and landscapes, van Gogh created many of his most famous works. Van Gogh remained in the asylum until 1890, when he moved in with a doctor who agreed to employ Vincent as his doctor. a patient. Van Gogh lived with Dr. Gachet, also an amateur painter, for only a few months before taking his own life. On 27 July 1890 Vincent van Gogh shot himself in the chest; and died two days later from complications.