Vincent van Gogh (Zundert, 30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist artist. His paintings and drawings are among some of the world’s best known, most popular and most expensive pieces of all time.

Unique style of painting

During his life, he only managed to sell one painting, but today his work sells for up to 40 million dollars. After encountering impressionism and neoimpressionism in Paris, Van Gogh started to develop a unique and recognisable style of painting. Most of his best-known works were produced in the final two years of his life, during which time he cut off part of his left ear following a breakdown in his friendship with Paul Gauguin. After this he suffered recurrent bouts of mental illness, which eventually led to his suicide.