During his lifetime Vincent van Gogh would not have been considered a successful artist. He sold very few paintings and was at the mercy of others to help support him and his artwork.
Vincent van Gogh was poor, needy, and did not have money. But he was not in dire poverty because he had the support of family members, including his father and especially his brother Theo. Theo was known throughout his life for sending Vincent van Gogh money and supporting him in his artwork.
Table of Contents
- Vincent Van Gogh Had No Money Of His Own
- Vincent Van Gogh Had Family Support – Especially From His Brother Theo
- Vincent Van Gogh Fully Understood His Financial Position
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
Vincent Van Gogh Had No Money Of His Own
Vincent van Gogh sold very few pieces of art during this lifetime. Some say it was only one painting; others say it was a few others and some pencil drawings. But the truth is that he did not sell many works of art during his lifetime.
It does not matter how many paintings he sold; he sold very few works of art when he was alive. It certainly was probably not enough to be able to pay for all of his living and other expenses. Vincent van Gogh was at the mercy of his brother Theo and others to be able to live and support himself and continue his art.
We can see this clearly in the 1881 letter that Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo. In a letter to his brother Theo in 1881, he wrote the following about his financial state.
When I wrote to Pa this week for money, he thought the 90 guilders I’d spent so terribly much.
Vincent Van Gogh To His Brother theo – 18 Dec 1881
You, though, will understand, I think, that this wasn’t unreasonable, because everything is expensive. But I damned well hate having to give Pa an account of every penny, the more so because everything is blabbed to everyone else, not without embellishments and exaggerations.
What’s more, Pa has now spent money on an overcoat for me that hung to the ground when I got it, and was a vulgar, flamboyant style to boot. Perhaps Pa did it out of kindness, but it really wasn’t the time to do it, since we have so many expenses already, and it’s also no way to buy clothes, without consulting the person and without fitting or measuring. Pa sent the coat here, but I immediately sent it back. So I only want to say, Theo, I’m beginning to get rather hard up.
And I’m writing to you to tell you this. I haven’t any money to stay, I haven’t any money to go back. I’ll wait a day or so in any case and do whatever you want….
Now would you like me to make a few more watercolours for you here? I’d like nothing better, but accommodation here and the models and the paint and the paper &c. &c. all cost me money, and I haven’t got any more.”
We learned from this letter that his father gave him money and his brother Theo. We also know, as he said, he had no money left at all. He was stuck; he could not travel nor couldn’t go anywhere because he had no money to do so.
Vincent Van Gogh Had Family Support – Especially From His Brother Theo
Vincent van Gogh was poor, but he did have a lot of family support, especially from his brother Theo. His brother Theo was constantly sending him money and helping him to be able to continue his works of art.
Theo, an art dealer, took Vincent Van Gogh’s works of art and tried to sell them. Even though he was not very successful in being able to sell his works of art during Vincent van Gogh’s lifetime Theo always believed in his brother and his ability.
Theo was the support behind Vincent van Gogh that allowed him to continue his art, even at a great personal sacrifice. In a letter to Vincent van Gogh, his brother Theo said this about the money he is helping and supporting van Gogh with:
“You’ve been thinking about it too much recently, and even though there’s no symptom of an accident, you’re suffering as a result. By accidents I mean poverty, and so it’s important, in order to avoid it, to tread carefully, not to overdo it, and to avoid other kinds of illness as far as possible. You talk about money that you owe me and that you wish to pay back to me. I know nothing of that. What I’d like to see you achieve would be that you never had that concern. I must work to earn money. Since the two of us don’t have much of it, we mustn’t overburden ourselves, but taking that into consideration we can hold out for some time yet, even without selling this or that. If you feel the need to do a great deal of work for yourself, good, say so, and I think we’ll be able to manage anyway,”
Theo Van Gogh to Vincent Van Gogh – 27 October 1888
We learn from this letter what a tremendous support Theo was to his brother Vincent and his artwork. Theo believed in his brother and did not want his brother to have to worry about money, even if he was sacrificing his own money and his well-being to help his brother Vincent.
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Vincent Van Gogh Fully Understood His Financial Position
Vincent van Gogh fully understood his financial position. He knew that he was poor. He understood that he was dependent upon others to help him. In a letter to his brother Theo he wrote:
“Now I must tell you about a surprise I’ve had. I received a letter from Pa, very cordial and cheerful it seemed to me, with 25 guilders in it. Pa wrote that he’d received some money he hadn’t expected and that he wanted to let me share in it. Wasn’t that awfully kind? It makes me blush, though.
Vincent Van Gogh – Letter To Brother Theo – 11 March 1883
But there’s one thought that instinctively springs to mind. Can it be, perhaps, that Pa has heard from someone or other that I’m living in poverty or some such thing? I wouldn’t care for it if something like that was the motive, for in my opinion this view of my circumstances wouldn’t be accurate. And could cause Pa concern that isn’t entirely appropriate
Vincent van Gogh knew that he was poor. He understood he did not have a lot of money. He knew he depended upon his brother to help supply him with art supplies and funds for much of his daily living. But he also did not see himself in dire poverty.
During his lifetime, most people would not have considered him a successful artist as he sold very few paintings or works of art. He was at the mercy of others to help to support him. But he was not in dire poverty because he had his brother Theo who continued to give him money and help support him throughout his artwork.
Great paintings and artists like Vincent van Gogh inspire me. Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We love art that uplifts and inspires. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Vincent van Gogh a financially successful artist during his lifetime?
No, Vincent van Gogh struggled financially during his lifetime. He sold very few paintings, and his art did not bring him significant financial success.
How did Vincent van Gogh support himself and his art?
Van Gogh was largely dependent on financial support from his family, particularly his brother Theo. He also received assistance from his father. These sources helped sustain him and allowed him to focus on his artistic pursuits.
Did Vincent van Gogh live in poverty?
While van Gogh was not in extreme poverty, he did face financial difficulties. He lived modestly and struggled to make ends meet, relying on the support of his family to cover his living expenses.
Was Vincent van Gogh’s financial situation a hindrance to his artistic career?
Yes, van Gogh’s financial struggles were a significant challenge. The lack of financial success added stress to his life but did not deter him from creating some of his most famous works.
Did Vincent van Gogh sell many paintings during his lifetime?
No, van Gogh sold very few paintings while he was alive. His artistic brilliance was not widely recognized during his lifetime, and he faced difficulty in finding buyers for his work.
How did Theo van Gogh support Vincent financially?
Theo, Vincent’s younger brother, played a crucial role in supporting him both emotionally and financially. Theo provided regular financial assistance, enabling Vincent to focus on his art without worrying excessively about money.
Were there periods in Vincent van Gogh’s life when he faced extreme financial hardship?
While van Gogh faced consistent financial challenges, there were moments of more acute difficulty. His financial situation varied, but he generally lived a modest and frugal life.
Did Vincent van Gogh’s financial struggles impact his mental health?
Van Gogh’s financial difficulties, combined with other personal challenges, likely contributed to his mental health struggles. The pressures he faced may have influenced the emotional intensity of his art.
Did Vincent van Gogh’s paintings gain value after his death?
Yes, the value of van Gogh’s paintings increased significantly after his death. Today, his works are highly sought after, and some are among the most expensive paintings ever sold.
How did Vincent van Gogh’s financial situation change over time?
Van Gogh’s financial situation remained challenging throughout his life. While he received consistent support from Theo, he did not experience a significant improvement in his financial circumstances, and financial stability eluded him.
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Related Questions
How Much Is Van Gogh’s Starry Night Worth?, And Other Facts
Van Gogh used color, form, and emotions in his art. He had a bright palette that was individualized for his time. Even though he did not see a lot of success during his life after he died, the impact of his art can be seen in both the Expressionism and Fauvism movements that were taking place in Europe.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading How Much Is Van Gogh’s Starry Night Worth?, And Other Facts.
Why Is Van Gogh Considered Such a Great Artist?
The Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night painting is considered priceless; many have estimated that the price is worth well over 100 million US dollars. The Museum of Modern Art in New York City has had the painting in its collection since 1941.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading Why Is Van Gogh Considered Such a Great Artist?
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit – Taking Photos And Other Tips
Before we entered the Immersive van Gogh Exhibit, the girl checking our ticket told us that photos were allowed and encouraged, but she added that flash photography was not allowed. While at the exhibit, I took a lot of pictures and saw a lot of other people also taking photos.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit – Taking Photos And Other Tips.
