Post-Impressionism · Netherlands and France · 1853–1890
Vincent van Gogh Life & Career Timeline
Drawing, colour and an extraordinary decade of artistic concentration.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
18531859186518711877188318891890
VVVincent van GoghPost-Impressionism · Netherlands and France
← Drag, scroll or swipe through the timeline →
About this timeline
About Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh moved from sombre studies of labour to intensely coloured landscapes, portraits and night skies in France.
Page updated
Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Vincent van Gogh biography
Vincent van Gogh timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Zundert
Vincent Willem van Gogh was born to pastor Theodorus van Gogh and Anna Carbentus.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlJoins Goupil & Cie
At sixteen he began work for the international art dealership.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlTransferred to London
The posting broadened his experience of art and urban life but ended unhappily.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlLeaves the art trade
Dismissed by Goupil, Van Gogh tried teaching, bookselling and religious work.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlWorks in the Borinage
He lived among coal miners as an evangelical worker and gave away possessions.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlCommits to becoming an artist
Supported by his brother Theo, Van Gogh began systematic drawing study.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlStudies in The Hague
Instruction and contact with Anton Mauve introduced materials and painting techniques.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlMoves to Nuenen
Rural labourers, weavers and cottages became his principal subjects.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlThe Potato Eaters
Van Gogh completed his first ambitious multi-figure painting in an earthy palette.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlMoves to Paris
Living with Theo, he encountered Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism and Japanese prints.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlArrives in Arles
Southern light encouraged brilliant colour, orchards, fields and city scenes.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlRents the Yellow House
Van Gogh imagined a shared studio for artists and decorated it with new work.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlWorks with Paul Gauguin
The intense collaboration ended after conflict and Van Gogh’s ear injury.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlEnters Saint-Paul asylum
He admitted himself for treatment while continuing to paint gardens and surrounding landscapes.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlPaints The Starry Night
The night view transformed observation through memory, rhythm and imaginative colour.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlAlmond Blossom
He painted blossoming branches as a gift celebrating the birth of Theo’s son Vincent.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlMoves to Auvers-sur-Oise
Under Dr Paul Gachet’s care, Van Gogh produced an intense final series of portraits and landscapes.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlDies after a gunshot wound
Van Gogh died with Theo nearby; the precise circumstances of the shooting remain debated.
Source: www.vangoghmuseum.nlThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Vincent van Gogh or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public-domain work; file metadata on Commons
Schools, fan clubs & cultural organisations
Help maintain this public story.
Bring knowledge, archives and a community together around a carefully sourced timeline.
Quick answers
About the Vincent van Gogh timeline
Who is Vincent van Gogh?
Van Gogh moved from sombre studies of labour to intensely coloured landscapes, portraits and night skies in France.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1853–1890.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
Your life deserves its own story.
Bring your photographs, videos and most important Moments together in one beautiful timeline.
Start your own life story now — free