Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter. He was born on March 30, 1853 and died on July 29, 1890.

Etten, Drenthe, and the Hague

Van Gogh started out drawing as a child, but first became known for sketches of his neighbors and friends. After a failed courtship with a woman who refused to see him, he got to know artist Anton Mauve, who helped him learn how to paint with oil and watercolor. He also lent him money to set up his own studio. After his new girlfriend killed herself by means of drowning, he moved to Drenthe.

Antwerp

When Von Gogh moved to Antwerp, most of his paintings were inspired by his extensive use of absinthe. He painted many still-lifes during this time period, as well as Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette, his famous painting in 1886.

Paris

In Paris, Van Gogh created work that he is best-known for today. Most of his work were colorful, post-impressionist portraits of friends and neighbors, and still-lives.

Arles

Van Gogh spent his final years in Arles, which is where he painted the very famous painting, Bedroom in Arles in 1888. He died in 1890 of a mysterious illness that scholars still are not sure of.