Vincent van Gogh 1853-1890 European Artist The history of Impressionism would not be complete without the distinctive work of Vincent van Gogh. Paintings of this world famous artist are at the top of today's art price range. He began from drawing and painting dark realistic scenes, but after meeting Impressionists he employed their motifs, bright colours and style of painting. Van Gogh's life was afflicted with mental trouble. His short period of artistic co-operation with Gauguin ended with van Gogh's symbolic act of self-mutilation: he cut off an earlobe. Although most of his last months van Gogh spent under psychiatric treatment, paintings from this period brought him the greatest fame. Van Gogh's work became a basic influence on the development of the Fauvism and Expressionism.