Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist - Paperback

by Jan Greenberg (Author), Sandra Jordan (Author)

This "lively, beautifully written biography" (Kirkus Reviews) of the famous Post-Impressionist artist who painted Starry Night and many other masterpieces is "fascinating reading" (School Library Journal, Starred Review).

Vincent Van Gogh--one of the nineteenth century's most brilliant artist--will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who pioneered new techniques and styles and who, in a fit of passion, cut off his own ear.

Whether painting a portrait, landscape, or still life, van Gogh sought to capture the vibrant spirit of his subject. Still, fame eluded him. This lack of recognition over a career spanning a mere decade (from ages twenty-seven to thirty-seven) fueled his lifelong self-doubt and bitter disappointments. Today, however, van Gogh's paintings are recognized as masterpieces, and the tormented Dutchman stands as a giant among artists.

Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of An Artist has been selected as a Common Core State Standards Text Exemplar (Grades 6-8, Historical/Social Studies) in Appendix B. It features a sixteen-page insert with family photographs and full-color painting reproductions and includes a glossary of artists and terms, a biographical time line, notes, a bibliography, and locations of museums that display Van Gogh's work.

A ROBERT F. SILBERT HONOR BOOK
AN ALA NOTABLE BOOK
AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A BOOKLIST CHILDREN'S EDITOR'S CHOICE

Front Jacket

Vincent van Gogh-one of the 19th century's most brilliant artists-will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who cut off his ear. But this incident only underscores the passion that consumed him-a passion that, when he took up painting at age 27, infused his work. Whether painting a portrait, a landscape, or a still life, Van Gogh sought to capture the vibrant spirit of his subject. It didn't matter that others found his work too unconventional. Van Gogh persevered. And as he moved from the cold climate of Holland to balmy southern France, he pioneered a new technique and style.
In a career spanning only a decade, Van Gogh painted many great works, yet fame eluded him. This lack of recognition increased his self-doubts and bitter disappointments. Today, however, Van Gogh stands as a giant among artists.

"From the Hardcover edition.

Author Biography

Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan are the authors of several acclaimed books about art, including Frank O. Gehry: Outside In and Chuck Close Up Close, as well as three companion books, The Painter's Eye, The Sculptor's Eye, and The American Eye.