As an art historian with a keen interest in the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, I am delighted to delve into the details of his early career. Van Gogh is one of the most celebrated and enigmatic figures in the history of art, and his journey from a young man to the master of color and form that he became is a fascinating one.

Vincent Willem van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, a small town in the southern Netherlands. His father, Theodorus van Gogh, was a minister, and his mother, Anna Cornelia Carbentus, came from a family of bookbinders. Growing up in a religious and literate household, Vincent was exposed to a variety of intellectual pursuits. However, his path to becoming an artist was not a direct one.

In 1869, at the age of 16, Van Gogh embarked on his first professional endeavor. He was employed by the Hague branch of Goupil & Cie, an international art dealership. This was not just any job; it was a prestigious position in the world of art. Goupil & Cie was known for dealing in high-quality artwork, including prints and paintings, and was a leading firm in the art market of the time.

Van Gogh's role in the firm was that of an apprentice art dealer, or as it was known then, an "art dealer's assistant." His duties involved assisting with the sale of artworks, handling customer inquiries, and managing the display of art pieces. This position allowed him to develop a keen eye for art and a deep understanding of the art market, which would later influence his own artistic endeavors.

During his time at Goupil & Cie, Van Gogh was transferred several times. He worked in London, Paris, and again in the Hague. His experiences in these different cities exposed him to various art movements and styles, broadening his artistic horizons. However, his tenure with the firm was not without its challenges. Van Gogh was known for his intense personality and strong opinions, which sometimes clashed with the more conservative environment of the art dealership.

Despite the professional success he enjoyed at Goupil & Cie, Van Gogh's personal life was marked by periods of loneliness and emotional turmoil. His deep introspection and desire for a more meaningful existence eventually led him to leave the art dealership in 1876. This decision marked a turning point in his life, as he began to explore various careers, including that of a teacher and a preacher, before finally committing to his true passion: painting.

Van Gogh's early experiences at Goupil & Cie were foundational in shaping his artistic vision. His exposure to a wide range of artworks and his immersion in the art market provided him with the knowledge and understanding that would later inform his own unique style. As we reflect on his first job, we can appreciate the significance of this period in laying the groundwork for the extraordinary contributions Van Gogh would make to the world of art.

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Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh was born on 30 March 1853 in Zundert in the southern Netherlands, the son of a pastor. In 1869, he took his first job, working in the Hague branch of an international art dealing firm.read more >>