Timeline: Life & Times of VvG

Mar 30, 1853

Born

Born in Holland to parents (Theodorus and Anna)

Oct 9, 1862

Begins drawing

First known drawing (pictured) is The Goat Herd

Period: Oct 9, 1862 to Nov 30, 1878

Earliest Works - Timeperiod called "Juvenilia"

Juvenilia artwork descriptions with pictures

Period: Jan 1, 1872 to Jul 27, 1890

Corresponds with brother via mail.

Vincent begins corresponding with his brother regularly, and continues for the rest of his life. These are said to be the best insight into VvG's frame of mind and his artistic styles and choices. This continues even to the suicide note he leaves for Theo.

Period: Jan 1, 1879 to Feb 2, 1880

Lives at The Borinage

Works with miners, devoted to working with the poor.

Aug 1, 1879

Completes Coalmine

Period: Jan 1, 1881 to Dec 31, 1884

Failed Relationships

VvG has many failed relationships with many women -- including a prostitute, a cousin, and a neighbor.

Oct 1, 1881

Completes Bedroom

Mar 8, 1885

Completion of first great art piece

The Potato Eaters is considered his first great artwork.

Mar 26, 1885

Father dies

Vincent's father, Theodorus van Gogh, a pastor, dies

Period: Mar 1, 1886 to Feb 20, 1888

Lives in Paris

Vincent van Gogh moves to Paris to live with his brother, Theo.

Aug 1, 1888

Completes Sunflowers

Sep 1, 1888

Completes Cafe Terrace

Jun 8, 1889

Completes Starry Night

Oil on canvas

Oct 1, 1889

Completes The Mulberry Tree

Feb 1, 1890

Completes Almod Tree

Jul 1, 1890

Completes his last paintings

Wheat field (pictured) is ominous --- where he effectively kills himself.

Jul 27, 1890

Attempted suicide

Vincent van Gogh goes for a walk and shoots himself in the chest. He doesn't die immediately and makes his way home. He dies from these wounds two days later.