Vincent van Gogh created more than 2,000 artworks in just over a decade, yet he sold only one painting during his lifetime, The Red Vineyard. He battled mental illness, poverty, and frequent periods of isolation, which often appeared in his art through intense colors and emotional brushwork.

While staying at a mental asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, he painted Starry Night, now one of the most famous works in history. His life, however, became surrounded by myths. Contrary to popular belief, Van Gogh did not cut off his entire ear. After a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin, he severed only part of his left ear, wrapped it in cloth, and reportedly gave it to a woman at a brothel.

Other myths include the idea that he was entirely unappreciated in his time. While he struggled financially and was largely unknown, he did have supporters. His brother Theo was both his art dealer and emotional anchor, and a few fellow artists admired his bold style.

Van Gogh died in 1890 at the age of 37 from a gunshot wound under circumstances still debated today. Whether it was suicide or an accident remains unresolved, but his posthumous fame transformed him into a symbol of the tortured genius.