Vincent van Gogh’s life was as rich and expressive as his canvases. While his paintings are celebrated for their color, emotion, and bold technique, the story behind the man is equally compelling—told not only through emotional letters and brushstrokes but also through numbers that capture the scale and intensity of his short but impactful life.
In this blog, we explore Van Gogh’s journey through fascinating figures—how many paintings he created, how many letters he wrote, how many cities he lived in, and more—interwoven with the stories that made each number meaningful. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious about one of history’s most enigmatic artists, these Van Gogh biography facts offer a deeper look at the man behind the masterpieces.
1,000+ Letters: The Emotional Blueprint of a Troubled Genius
Van Gogh wrote over 900 letters, including more than 650 to his brother Theo, during his lifetime. These letters serve as the emotional diary of his life and give us unmatched access to his thoughts, struggles, and inspirations.
- Many of his letters describe works-in-progress and include small sketches.
- His writing reveals the depth of his inner torment, spiritual beliefs, and artistic vision.
- Without these letters, much of Van Gogh’s personality would be lost to history.
10 Years: His Entire Career Spanned Just a Decade
Despite his towering legacy, Van Gogh was a serious artist for only 10 years—from 1880 to 1890. Within that short period, he revolutionized the art world with a body of work that would later influence Expressionism, Fauvism, and Modernism.
Story Behind the Number:
He turned to art after multiple failed careers—as an art dealer, teacher, and missionary. By the time he began painting at age 27, he had no formal training and minimal recognition. What followed was an intense decade of creative explosion.
Over 2,100 Artworks: A Legacy of Color and Motion
In just 10 years, Van Gogh created:
- Around 860 oil paintings
- More than 1,200 sketches, drawings, and watercolors
That’s over 2,100 pieces—an astonishing feat, considering the personal and financial difficulties he faced.
Some of His Most Famous Works:
- Starry Night
- The Bedroom
- Sunflowers
- The Night Café
- Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear
His brush rarely rested, often creating multiple works in a single week.
37 Years Old: A Life Cut Tragically Short
Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, and died on July 29, 1890 at the age of 37. In that short time, he moved more than 20 times, taught himself to paint, and produced an unparalleled artistic legacy.
The Story Behind His Death:
Van Gogh died from a gunshot wound, believed to be self-inflicted. He died in Theo’s arms two days later, reportedly saying, “The sadness will last forever.” He died believing he had failed.
Only 1 Painting Sold During His Lifetime
In 1890, Van Gogh sold The Red Vineyard to Anna Boch for 400 francs. Despite creating hundreds of pieces, he was virtually unknown in the art world and received little commercial or critical success before his death.
What That Means Today:
Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet sold in 1990 for $82.5 million—a stark contrast to his tragic obscurity in life.
4 Countries: A Life of Movement and Restlessness
Van Gogh lived in multiple cities across four countries:
- The Netherlands (birthplace)
- Belgium (where he briefly studied and preached)
- France (where he painted prolifically)
- England (where he worked as a teacher and art dealer)
Each location contributed to his growth and struggles, shaping his evolving artistic voice.
27 Self-Portraits: Searching for Self in the Mirror
Van Gogh painted over 27 self-portraits, not out of vanity, but because he couldn’t afford models. These deeply expressive works reflect his shifting mental state and artistic progression.
Why They Matter:
Each self-portrait is a psychological landscape. From the early, somber works to the more colorful, expressive portraits, we see Van Gogh grappling with identity, illness, and his place in the world.
150 Paintings in 1 Year: The Asylum at Saint-Rémy
In 1889, Van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Despite his fragile mental state, he produced over 150 works during this time, including:
The Story:
Nature and the garden views from the asylum became his muses. Though confined, his imagination soared.
Explore expressive designs in our Expressionist Wall Art Prints.
200+ Works Created in Arles
Van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889, a productive period during which he created:
- Sunflowers
- The Yellow House
- The Night Café
His dream was to form an artist commune with Gauguin, but the relationship turned volatile, ending in the infamous ear incident.
650 Letters to Theo: A Brotherhood That Shaped Art
The majority of Vincent’s correspondence was with his brother Theo, who supported him emotionally and financially throughout his life.
Why These Letters Matter:
- They document Vincent’s artistic ideas, insecurities, and hopes.
- Without Theo’s letters, Van Gogh’s legacy may have vanished into obscurity.
11 Hospitalizations for Mental Illness
Van Gogh suffered from mental illness throughout his adult life. Between 1888 and 1890, he was hospitalized at least 11 times for episodes involving psychosis, hallucinations, and self-harm.
The Story:
Despite his suffering, he continued to paint—often directly after these episodes. His illness didn’t silence his creativity; it intensified it.
200+ Paintings Inspired by Nature
Nature was a recurring theme in Van Gogh’s work. He painted:
- Olive trees
- Wheatfields
- Gardens
- Cypresses
- Night skies
These scenes were not just landscapes; they were emotional expressions. Wheatfield with Crows is often interpreted as symbolic of his final days—vast, dark, and stormy, yet still alive with energy.
7 Months with Paul Gauguin: Explosive Collaboration
Van Gogh invited Gauguin to live with him in Arles. The two artists worked side-by-side for about 9 weeks, exchanging ideas and painting. But their personalities clashed violently.
The Climax:
Their relationship culminated in a heated confrontation that led to the ear incident and Gauguin’s permanent departure.
10,000 Brushstrokes in Starry Night (Estimated)
Although no one can count them precisely, The Starry Night is believed to contain tens of thousands of tiny, expressive brushstrokes—each one intentional, layered, and full of motion.
Why That’s Amazing:
Van Gogh painted it from memory, not direct observation, making it one of the most emotionally charged and imaginative works in Western art.
Get inspired by expressive visuals in our Vincent van Gogh Wall Art Prints.
Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers
While the numbers in Van Gogh’s life—paintings, letters, years lived—are impressive, it’s the stories behind them that leave a lasting impact. In just 37 years, Vincent van Gogh produced an artistic legacy that continues to touch hearts and spark imaginations worldwide.
He may have died in obscurity, but today his influence is immortal. The swirling skies, sunflower fields, and haunted self-portraits are not just images—they’re fragments of a soul that found freedom through paint.
