The life and legacy of the famous Post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh is not unheard of. During his short life (1853 – 1890), the Dutch artist produced around 2100 artworks. When one looks at a van Gogh original, one is faced with intense emotions, attributed to the artist’s declining mental health. His ‘swirls’ are his unique characteristics representing his inner turmoil. His passion for art was as strong as his mastery of words. Given below are some of the most famous Vincent Van Gogh quotes about art, love, and life.
Starry Night Vincent Van Gogh Quotes
One painting that everyone might’ve seen at one point or the other is ‘Starry Night’. The 1889 painting is an amalgamation of seasons; of the transient life; but above all represents the fading boundaries between the real and imaginary. Van Gogh made the painting from his asylum window, a place where he was voluntarily committed. Three of his famous quotes might assist us understand his chronic malady, which led to the creation of this masterpiece.
“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”
“I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
“Go out and paint the stars.”
“The lamps are burning and the starry sky is over it all.”
Vincent Van Gogh Quotes about Love
Despite being an idolized figure in modern and Western Art, Vincent Van Gogh was really unlucky when it comes to love and romantic affiliations. He had to brave several setbacks, heartbreaks, and rejections. His letters to his sister Willemina and brother Theo are a testament to how fragile a heartbroken man can become.
“For my part, I still continually have the most impossible and highly unsuitable love affairs from which, as a rule, I emerge only with shame and disgrace.” (To his sister Willemina)
“Then I thought to myself, I’d like to be with a woman, I can’t live without love, without a woman. I wouldn’t care a fig for life if there wasn’t something infinite, something deep, something real.” (To his brother Theo)
“Love always brings difficulties, that is true, but the good side of it is that it gives energy.” (To Theo)
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” (To Theo)
Vincent Van Gogh Quotes About Art
Nobody can deny van Gogh’s artistic prowess. This is the reason why he is revered in the art community. Whether it was van Gogh’s ‘Self Portrait’ or ‘Sunflowers’, we were all enchanted by his brushstrokes. In his extensive oeuvre, he made most of his paintings in his later life; a time he was gripling with mental health. He is a prime example to continue pursuing your passion (in his case art), no matter what your situation might be, for it will bring peace and joy.
“I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say ‘he feels deeply, he feels tenderly’.”
“…and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?”
“I put my heart and soul into my work, and I have lost my mind in the process.”
“Art is to console those who are broken by life.”
The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh Quotes
In his life, van Gogh wrote numerous letters. 903 letters (written or received) survive today and are housed at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Most of the letters were written to his brother Theo (663). Other recipients of his letters included his friend Paul Gaugin and Émile Bernard, his sister Willemina, Anthon van Rappard, and his sister-in-law Jo. These letters not only include his perspectives and sketches, but also chronicle the artwork of the time and his personal struggles and journey.
“I can very well do without God both in my life and in my painting, but I cannot, suffering as I am, do without something which is greater than I, which is my life, the power to create.”
“There is peace even in the storm”
“We spent our whole lives in unconscious exercise of the art of expressing our thoughts with the help of words”
“If I cease searching, then, woe is me, I am lost. That is how I look at it – keep going, keep going come what may.”
Van Gogh might not have realized the impact his tumultuous life and impeccable artwork will have on the modern world, but it doesn’t stop us from inspiring and motivating us. So the next time you are in the need of insight on life, love, and most importantly the stars, look no further, just read and fervently consume these famous quotes by Vincent Van Gogh.
Image Courtesy – Detroit Institute of Arts
