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How did Vincent van Gogh’s time in London affect his life?
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Vincent van Gogh
Self-Portrait, oil on artist's board on cradled panel by Vincent van Gogh, 1887; in the Art Institute of Chicago.
Vincent van Gogh’s time in London, where he worked for the art dealers Goupil and Co. from 1873 to 1875, significantly impacted his personal and professional development.1
- Artistic Sensibility: Daily exposure to art during his employment helped cultivate his appreciation for masters such as Rembrandt and Frans Hals, as well as contemporary painters like Jean-François Millet and Camille Corot, whose influence remained with him throughout his life.1
- Personal Outlook: Van Gogh developed a strong dislike for the art-dealing profession. Furthermore, his personal life took a difficult turn in 1874 when he experienced a romantic rejection by a London woman. This event thwarted his desire for affection and contributed to a darkening of his approach to life, leading him to become increasingly solitary.1