Most casual art lovers see Van Gogh as a troubled but successful artist. This is far from the actual truth of his chaotic life which was filled with failure in every occupational pursuit he attempted including painting, and was marked by episodes of depression, violence, and abnormal behavior. Thanks to the preservation of thousands of letters Van Gogh had written to friends and family, especially to his brother Theo, we have a nearly complete understanding …showed first 75 words of 1571 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1571 total…Van Gogh went out to the countryside at a place where he was staying and shot himself inn the chest. He then walked up to his room and began bleeding to death. Although he only sold one painting during his life time, he is considered the most powerful Expressionist, and his paintings now sell for millions of dollars. Ironically, Van Gogh is deemed by society to be one of our greatest and most successful artists.