2. Fast Facts: Vincent Van Gogh
• Born in 1853
• Suffered from mental illness (he was known
for being a little crazy)
• Was not famous and never sold a painting
until after his death
• Lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place
to place
• Had a fondness for liquor
3. The Famous Ear Story
After confronting another artist
with a razor blade, Van Gogh
became frightened and
retreated to a brothel he
frequented. There he is said to
have cut off his ear (fully or
partially, no one knows for
sure), wrapped it in a cloth, and
handed it to one of the
prostitutes working there,
saying, “keep this object
carefully”. He then staggered
home and was found sleeping,
his head bloody.
4. Why isVan GoghImportant?
• Van Gogh pioneered a
style of painting known
as Post-Impressionism,
which featured bold color
and thick daubs of paint.
• He is loved around the
world for his paintings
such as Starry Night,
Sunflowers, and many
self-portraits.
• He is considered one of
the great masters of
painting.