Timeline Book of Van Gogh

The striking artistic life of Vincent Van Gogh (Groot-Zundert, 1853 - Auvers-sur- Oise, 1890) resulted in some of the best known and best loved paintings and drawings ever made. After an initial apprenticeship in Holland, where he was inspired by the naturalist painting of Millet and Breton, he moves to France, initially to Paris, home of the last impressionist exhibitions and of the new post-impressionist movements, and then to Provence, marked by the dazzling light of the Mediterranean.In Paris he visits museums and meets many artists, among them Toulouse Lautrec, with whom he exhibits. His palette becomes lighter and at the same time his compositions are influenced by Japanese prints which he studies intensely. During his stay in Arles, where he lives with Gauguin for two months before their famous row, he paints some of his most famous masterpieces, full of vivid colours: The Sunflowers, Starry Night, The Sower at Sunset. Van Gogh is central and inspirational to the movement known as Expressionism. His career was supported continuously by the kindness of his brother Theo. It was not until the 1880s that he began to receive the attention of his contemporaries. After his death however his star was quick to rise. Major exhibitions were held in Paris 1901, Amsterdam 1905, New York 1913.Every book in the "Timeline" series offers a concise, striking visual chronology of its subject, whether this is the evolution of a single painter's style or the changing face of an entire movement in art, fashion or design. Despite first appearances, these are not like other books - each title pulls out to become an innovative two-sided guide. On the front, the "Timeline" shows you sixteen key images in chronological order - for example, excerpts from the crucial works of a particular artist, or details from evolving stages of an era in design. At a glance, you see a clear visual path through the development of the subject. On the back you will find all the detail - entire reproductions of the pieces discussed, succinct explorations of their context, meaning and history written by experts, biographies of the artists, and more.