Why Vincent van Gogh Became an Art Legend Posthumously

Despite his struggles with depression and mental health issues, Vincent van Gogh's legacy as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in history continues to captivate and inspire.

The answer to why van Gogh became a posthumous legend is multifaceted. He was ahead of his time, and more importantly, his work was not heavily commercialized during his lifetime. This allowed most of his collection to remain intact, making it easier for future generations to recognize the coherence and quality of his art body.

Van Gogh’s Rise to Fame: Ahead of His Time

The simple answer is that van Gogh was ahead of his time. During his lifetime, his work did not sell well, and he was not recognized as a genius until long after his death. It was only due to the relentless promotion by his widowed sister-in-law, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, that his fame slowly grew and eventually reached the heights it stands at today.

The Role of the Art Market

The dynamics of the art market played a significant role in van Gogh's posthumous reputation. Rich collectors could pick up artists, proclaiming their work as great, and thereby influencing the market. This often led to the skyrocketing value of an artist's work posthumously. A television show called “Adam Ruins Everything” delves into this subject, exposing how the fine art market can be manipulated. While van Gogh is undoubtedly a great artist, there are many other artists who are better and equally deserved of recognition but remain unrecognized.

Van Gogh's Tragic Life and Early Recognition

Van Gogh was not famous when he died in July 1890. He might have gained recognition if his work had been exhibited in a show in Brussels in 1889, but he tragically died the following year at the age of 37. Throughout his life, he was more infamous due to his mental health issues and odd behavior. A year before his death, the town of Arles petitioned to have him evicted from his yellow house due to his perceived danger to the community.

Posthumous Recognition and Impact

Van Gogh's brother Theo had sold some of his paintings, but Theo died just six months after van Gogh. It was Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, Theo's widow, who picked up the torch. She gathered as many of van Gogh's paintings as possible, and in March 1901, she successfully exhibited 71 of them in Paris. This exhibition marked the beginning of van Gogh's fame and acclaim as a genius and the greatest Dutch artist since Rembrandt.

The story of Vincent van Gogh is one of perseverance and the power of dedicated supporters. His art was not commercialized during his lifetime, allowing his work to speak for itself, and his sister-in-law's efforts played a crucial role in his posthumous legacy.

Conclusion

Van Gogh's posthumous rise to fame is a testament to the enduring power of his art and the relentless efforts of his closest supporters. Despite the commercial and social challenges he faced during his lifetime, his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. The art market and the dedication of those who believed in him played significant roles in this remarkable transformation.