Vincent Van Gogh was a complex artist whose tumultuous life, extensive body of work, and enduring legacy present many challenges for writing an essay about him. An effective essay must navigate the myriad artistic influences on Van Gogh's unique style and symbolism in iconic works. It also needs to evaluate the critical reception of his art during his life, contrasted with modern assessments, and analyze his ongoing impact on art and culture. Most difficult is balancing a portrayal of Van Gogh's emotional turmoil with a cohesive narrative that represents the intricacies of his psychology and how it related to his art.