Born in 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands, to a wealthy family. Worked as art dealer in London, then as missionary in Belgium. Became increasingly religious and isolated as a child. Developed serious, thoughtful nature despite mental instability
Created in 1889, currently in Courtauld Institute's collection. Depicts Van Gogh in blue cap with fur and green overcoat. Features Japanese woodblock print "Geishas in a Landscape" by Satō Torakiyo. Uses Impasto technique to show knife marks on canvas
Painted in June 1889 at Saint-Rémy asylum, depicting sunrise view. Van Gogh wrote to Theo about painting in June, describing it as "a starry sky". Painting was made in studio or outdoors, not from memory. Van Gogh initially considered it a failure but later praised its beauty
Titian defined 16th century Venetian art with brushwork techniques. Michelangelo created influential frescoes in Sistine Chapel. Caravaggio pioneered Baroque painting with dramatic lighting. Velazquez created complex 'royal paintings' like Las Meninas
Las Meninas by Velázquez combines three different themes in one painting. Primavera by Botticelli depicts spring growth based on ancient mythology. The Tower of Babel by Bruegel shows Roman engineering in detail. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt depicts Jesus's survival through storm