Vincent Van Gogh: The Humble Genius 

Is Theo Van Gogh the best bro of all time?

“I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process.” - Vincent Van Gogh

“They didn’t want someone living in squalor to represent their religion.” Jesus: ...

Vincent always makes me teary-eyed. Bless Johanna, for taking on Theo's mantle and celebrating Vincent's work.

The fact the church fired someone for living like the poor masses really speaks volumes about the church during this period.

Theo was such a good person. Impossible to not admire his love and dedication to his brother.

Yes his story is sad, but also Vincent was so wholesome, taking plants and bugs home so that he can finish pieces, gifting his home to someone in poverty, and filling his home with yellow flowers for his best friend🥺

Damn, Theo and Johanna are one stand up brother and sister-in-law! What great family to have

Johanna is a real hero in this story, I am glad that you gave her her due.

Theo deserves so much thanks. He could have been a typical relative and forgot about caring for his brother and we would have never known the genius of his paintings.

"The sadness will last forever." - Vincent Van Gogh

I will tell my children one day that they should love each other like Theo loved Vincent.

This one left me in tears. I once heard a quote attributed to a psychologist - "People with mental illness' are the most sane ones. They understand the world, how it works and it drives them to despair. Those of us who have no quarrel with the world, we are the crazy ones."

Vincent’s story pains my heart every time...

His story is still so heartbreaking...I cried a little when Vincent found out his nephew was named after him. And his sister in law is so amazing!

I had no clue how generous Van Gogh was, he had such a big heart. Just gave a house away and lived in squalor because he thought it was the right thing to do. Then you have Theo, who goes out of his way countless times to help his brother follow his dreams. I love how the coal miners called Van Gogh “ Christ of the Coal Mines”, can’t believe the church fired him, he was obviously doing a great job.

Church "you must be humble and not prideful" Also churches "okay, you're fired for living in a simple shack and making us look like a poor institution"

I love that Dr. Who segment about Vincent van Gogh, really hit me in the feels

I love that his brother would support him throughout his life and when they both died, his work was what supported Theo’s family.

His short life had more emotion and love than if an average person lived to 1000 Bless Theo. And bless Joanna for doing what she did. Knowing his worth and giving Vincent to the world. Great information Simon. Beautifully presented. I confess to having wet eyes a few times.

I live in the village where he painted the potato eaters. His father is buried here too. The village is called Nuenen in the Netherlands.

So, I’m crying like a baby. 😭 Theo was such a good brother.

What a blessing Theo and Joanna was to his life, but this just broke my heart.

I have been going through a really rough time lately and I’ve been very scared and alone. There are times when I feel really low and suicidal. But I remember Vincent and his life and his work and he gives me hope. He struggled so much and he lived a hard life, but still managed to create beautiful works of art and see the world brightly. I am amazing at How Vincent lived and he inspires me to keep pushing through. I just wish I could tell him how many times he has saved me. I will always remember you Vincent and I will always love you.

Hell is the suffering of the ones we love...and his brother loved him a whole lot. What a touching story

This literally brought a tear to my eye great work man.

His brother theo really did love him and believed in his talent.

" I dream my painting , and then I paint my dream " Vincent van gogh

He used his work not to demonstrate the near constant suffering of his life, but instead to show pure visual ecstasy. A true genius

I see so much of myself in Vincent. Thank you for making me feel a little less lonely. Eternal love.

"What am I in the eyes of most people - a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person - somebody who has no position in society and will never have; in short, the lowest of the low. All right, then - even if that were absolutely true, then I should one day like to show by my work what such an eccentric, such a nobody, has in his heart" In the end, he did. Rest in Peace Van Gogh

"Enjoyed feeling like he was needed"...damn that hits home

Everyone said to Vincent Van Gogh " You can't be a great painter, you've only got one ear" And you know what he said? " “You’ll have to speak up, I’ve only got one ear”

I’m not crying, you are. 😭

The letter about Starry night, made me cry. But learning about Van Gogh always does. I can relate a lot to his story. If you truly want to bawl your eyes out about Vincent, watch the episode of Doctor who with that title 'Vincent' - I cry every single time, without fail. It's probably not 100% accurate, but it has a ton of heart

If it were just Vincent’s art, he would still be the most popular great artist. But because we have his letters, we also know what a great man he was.

"Well... big question, but to me, van Gogh is the finest painter of them all; certainly the most popular great painter of all time: The most beloved; his command of colour; the most magnificent. He transformed the pain of his tormented life into ecstatic beauty. Pain is easy to portray, but to use your passion and pain to portray the ecstasy and joy and magnificence of our world... no one had ever done it before. Perhaps no one ever will again. To my mind that strange wild man who roamed the fields of Provence was not only the world’s greatest artist, but also one of the greatest men who ever lived." nuff said.

Exceptionally well done, most stories about Van Gogh focus on the negative and paint him as completely alone, yes he was a severely damaged individual and hard to get along with, but he wasn't completely abandoned by his family as is the common image. Kudos

Thank you, Vincent Van Gogh. The world has been made more beautiful by your art. Rest in peace. Thank you, Theo Van Gogh. You are what every brother inspires to be. Without your dedication to your brother, the world would not have seen such a gifted artist. Rest in peace. Joanna, thank you for preserving the works of the greatest artists to ever walk across the earth. Because of you, we all see the beauty of this world through a struggling man.

Back in 1956 when I became a student at Chelsea School of art..Vincent's letters to his brother Theo became my bible.....I still have a copy of that book.....and still taken by his eloquence and his singular passion for life. He viewed the world with a different lens, and we have all inherited that on every canvas of everything that ever caught his eye.

Madame Calment, born in Arles in 1875, lived until 1995 and remembered selling art supplies to Van Gogh as a 14 year old working in her father's shop. Isn't that just incredible?! She met Van Gogh.

Vincent Van Gough has been one of my favorite artists since I went to the Van Gough museum in Amsterdam. I was moved by the sheer beauty of his paintings. I also love sunflowers since then too.

I can only recommend the movie „loving Vincent“ to anyone who wants to see more from his biography, great video as per usual btw! :)

Shame that many artists like Vincent can still go almost completely unrecognized in their lifetimes. This world was built for the mundane and cruel. Occasionally a genius is seen and given the love they deserve. One thing is for sure, a hardworking ethic is imperative no matter how naturally gifted.

A portrait of my favorite artist done by my favorite talking head in a truly loving manner. Thank you, Simon, you are a champion.

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Vincent van Gogh

i know it is silly, but I can never stop thinking about what his mother destroyed. Just imagine what we have missed from that. His work and life have always brought tears to my eyes. what I wouldn't give to have met him.

'What is done in love is done well' - Vincent Van Gogh I absolutely LOVE that! And what a relationship between the Van Gogh brothers. Almost shed a tear. I remember visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Love watching this one. Good work Simon! Please do one about Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali!

This is one of your best works.

"But I could've told you Vincent , this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you..." Rest in peace Vincent🙏

No matter how many times I hear Vincent’ and Theosophy story it breaks my heart. He brought such beauty to our world.

I had admired his art for my entire life but never had heard his life story. It brought me to tears. Thank you for bringing this mans true life to my attention. His works now carry so much more meaning for me.

I have tears in my eyes watching this...Theo, such a brother....

I didn’t expect a Biographics video on Van Gogh of all people to make me cry. But I guess as a fellow sufferer of depression, this hits harder than most.

Theo and Joanna are superb beings and without their efforts and love, his beauty and darkness would never be known today.

Ever since i found out more about vincent and his life i can truly believe that he was not just the greatest artist, but the greatest by heart. Listening about him overwhelms me and makes me tear up, the world didnt deserve him yet he deserved the world. "And what is done in love is done well"--- He showed true love towards his work, even after starting following his passion at a relatively older age He created pieces of exquisite art of immense beauty with beautiful colors and possessed a mind of creativity Suffering from all mental health issues he still managed to show joy and beauty of nature within his work "If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere"---- Personally i love the concept of art myself, and his sense and style of painting inspired me so much throughout my journey to loving art. His choice of words and way of writing is so provoking it makes me feel actual words travel down my body up my heart and soul Vincent van gogh The man you were🙌

Starry,starry night. I have tears in my eyes about this song and how misunderstood Van Gough was throughout his life. He was so gifted and blessed. 🙏👍

No one has ever or will ever paint like Vincent.

I've always loved Van Gogh and his countless works. I don't cry much due to my antidepressants, but I teared up at this video. His short life inspires the deepest of my beliefs on how a true artist operates. His continued struggles with his sanity also speak to his work ethic and determination regarding his artwork, as despite all that was on his plate, he never abandoned his philosophy on life and his creative visions. I was a classically trained trombonist of 7 years when I was 16, and I had a huge passion for music. Three quarters through high school, my mental health issues came to the surface pretty rapidly. I quit band, started isolating and seeing a counselor. I began using drugs and alcohol to cope with my own mental health struggles because I was impatient with waiting for the benefits of counseling, and although it was a short two and a half years, my negative relationship with them had gotten to a breaking point. I had stopped attending lectures, started isolating alone in my dorm and was very undernourished. I got sober at 18, and I'm now just shy of two years of continued sobriety. I reignited my passion for music in rehab, and began playing my favorite melodies by ear on the piano. I've now found a different calling in the musical sphere: composing. Van Gogh's philosophy on human empathy and the true nature of artistry are some of the main influences that drive me to create, while also inspiring me to do so. I care more about creating things that I recognize as beautiful than conforming to the standards of the public at large, and it's infinitely rewarding. Great video as always. I love your channel, and learning about past figures in different areas of expertise will never bore me. Thanks, Decker

The story of his family helping him, he feeling a burden but after his death his art actually helping them, is amazing.

Bonus info: a descendent of the Van Gogh family, also called Theo van Gogh, was a film director, assassinated by a terrorist in 2004

Van Gogh's story always makes me cry, no matter how many times I hear it.

I always tear up whenever I read or hear anything about Vincent van Gogh. Him and his brother went through so much and in a time when nobody was able to help, when we didn't know better. He brought so much color and beauty into the world and nobody realized it until long after he was gone. I would do anything to be able to go back and tell him how much he is loved.

By far my favorite video from this channel. Van Gogh is truly remarkable. He just came to the top of my list of favorite people that have every lived... Honestly, watching this has brought tears to my eyes, to have joy, sorrow and passion. R.I.P Vincent Von Gogh

- Absolutely, positively mesmerizing. I am weeping but I have a new appreciation for the Van Gogh brothers. Very well presented, Mr. Whistler. 👍

Not only was this a well made video but man, Vincent’s passing definitely evoked some emotions here. Then the light at the end of the tunnel with his works being able to support those he loved. What a story.

If anyone of y’all ever gets the chance to see some of his art in person, take that opportunity. Once you see his works you will instantly know why he’s one of the best ever. It’s really really impressive.

Vincent had a tough and sad life, but he was blessed to have a great brother Theo.

15:42 this, this made me shed a tear what a good brother Theo was and his wife was a great person too

Van Gogh was perhaps the epitome of the "struggling artist" - so tragic, so misunderstood, so at the mercy of the limited psychiatric knowledge of the time, yet in the same breath, so unique and brilliant in his artistic mind. Great video, guys, and for anyone else interested in Van Gogh, might I recommend seeing the 2018 film "At Eternity's Gate". It's a really effective portrayal of his later life, and Willem Dafoe does a superb job in the role.

Thank you for telling Vincent’s story with such warmth and sensitivity.

"He enjoyed feeling like he was needed" damn that just screams can somebody love me... I think it all started with her mother. The hell is wrong with her naming him after their dead son and just keeps on saying that there's just only one vincent...poor man glad he's now a proclaimed artist...

"Whatever is done in love is done well" Beautiful

There are so many heroes in this story, it warms my heart.

He had such a great brother. This was so touching. I cried.

That episode of Doctor Who...."Vincent and the doctor" ❤❤😥😥

Thank you for talking about my favorite artist. Such a beautiful soul.

i need y’all to know i was crying throughout the entire video. this man deserved so much more than what life gave him. he deserves to know how loved he would become.

Thank you so much. I honestly cried when you said the name of his nephew and the joy it brought him. I was one of the people who requested you cover Vincent and I couldn't be happier. Thank you so much for shining such an honest spotlight on a great and troubled man.

Anyone else suddenly have a compulsion to go watch Vincent and The Doctor?

Vincent a passionate artist, Theo his loving brother, Johanna cared for and nurtured the seeds of Love Theo had planted that inspired Vincent onward ; fanning the passionate flame of his art across the world. I truly cherish reading the "Letters of Vincent" that she helped to archive and share a deeper understanding of him and the challenges artists who are all in do face daily.

This made me cry so much. Theo and Van were both compassionate human beings. I donno why bad things happen to good people.❤️

This brought me to tears. I thought I had a rough grip on his life story, but there were things I didn't know that enhances my view of him so much; his motivation to help the needy, his empathy, his huge heart, his desire to create beautiful things. He seemed to be so pained that he wished to produce such resplendent beauty and compassion. The title of 'genius' has become such a cliche now but he truly was a genius. A beautiful man with a beautiful mind.

Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) Don McLean Starry starry night Paint your palette blue and gray Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and the daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colors on the snowy linen land Now I understand What you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free They would not listen they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now Starry starry night Flaming flowers that brightly blaze Swirling clouds in violet haze Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue Colors changing hue Morning fields of amber grain Weathered faces lined in pain Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand Now I understand What you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now For they could not love you But still your love was true And when no hope was left inside On that starry starry night You took your life as lovers often do But I could have told you Vincent This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you Starry starry night Portraits hung in empty halls Frameless heads on nameless walls With eyes that watch the world and can't forget Like the strangers that you've met The ragged men in ragged clothes The silver thorn of bloody rose Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow Now I think I know What you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free They did not listen, they're not listening still Perhaps they never will

I've known a good chunk of his bio for some time, but this is my first time visiting the material after my own bout with suicidal depression. I absolutely empathize with his mindset after hearing about his brother's financial troubles. It crossed my mind a few times before getting help after those caring for me experienced their own money troubles. I'd skip meals or ration out a meal to last me 2 days, just enough to keep the starvation pain to a minimum. I digress, his giving his church housing away strikes me as exactly the level of compassion and charity that should be something for the others in the church to aspire to, not shunning him.

I was crying at the end of the video. And this is not the first time. I have read and heard Vincent's story 100 times, but every time I am in tears. He was not just an artistic genius, he was full of love, passion and compassion and yet life was harsh to him. Wherever he is I hope his soul has found the love and peace he deserved. ❤

A wonderful biography on Vincent. Thank you. Theo's selfless support for Vincent was extraordinary. The same should be said of Johanna.. for her dedication and efforts to foster and preserve Vincent's legacy.

Simon says “I say his name this way. Suck it” .... So it shall be.

Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day.......

Thank you so much for your incredible work, I visited van gogh's grave in france with my then girl friend and saw his last home, walked down the same alleys and fields he walked, sat on the same church benches he painted, but was never told the full story behind his life nor his brother's. Thank you so much for adding meaning into a fond memory of mine!

This has got to be the best, most touching biography I have ever watched.

I’ve always loved Van Gogh’s artwork. I always wondered why he shortened his life. I understand now and as an artist I feel so much for him. I feel impassioned by his dedication. Thanks for this accurate telling.

Poor Vincent rejected by his own mother. And poor mother, imagine the self hatred she felt towards the end of her life considering she lived long enough to realize just how wrong she was about her son. That's what happens when you have conditional love - terrible. Vincent was truly a gorgeous soul.

As a writer who has been struggling to find inspiration and believe in myself, this video came in my recommendations after watching one about Blackbeard of all people. It really helped me to realize how lucky we are to have people who believe in us. I knew a little about Van Gogh, I’ve read some things and I have a friend who is very much in love with his work, but after seeing this, I understand why now. This was such a great video.

“One must have chaos in oneself in order to give birth to a dancing star.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

This has been my favorite bio so far! Do more artist lives.

Remember when the doctor took van gough to see his own exhibit in the future to watch his jaw drop?

0:45 - Chapter 1 - Early life 3:40 - Chapter 2 - A religious calling 5:25 - Chapter 3 - Learning to paint 8:30 - Chapter 4 - Life in Paris 11:25 - Chapter 5 - Life in arles 13:10 - Chapter 6 - The asylum 16:00 - Chapter 7 - Eternity

Awwww never knew he was such a lovely man at heart, im so glad the world saw his worth even if he couldnt be around to see it

Not even half way through this biographic and already tearing up. Wonderfully beautiful and sad all at the same time. Truly inspirational and loved this bio a lot. Thank you