- Was known to drink absinthe, an alcoholic drink sourced from wormwood and known for its hallucinogenic effects. Absinthe caused problems such as lesions of the brain and erratic behavior, and is believed to be a primary factor in Van Gogh's mental decline.
- Name pronounced 'vin-sent van gokh'. Some people pronounce it 'van Goff' 'gog' or 'goe'. The accurate Dutch pronunciation is 'vaughan khokh'
- He often went long periods of time without eating. He often used the very little money he got from his brother to buy art supplies, and the only thing he'd buy to consume was coffee and absinthe. For food. he often leeched off his friends and acquaintances when they were available.
- He often got so wrapped up in painting outside that he ignored the heat and passed out from sunstroke.
- Suffered from depression which led to him committing suicide. His last painting was of a man who was sitting down with his head in his hands as if he were depressed.
- It is now believed that he may been a paranoid schizophrenic in addition to his struggles with bipolar disorder and many other health problems.
- He only sold one painting in his entire life.
- Great granduncle of Theo van Gogh.
- Don McLean wrote a tribute song to him.
- He worked as a preacher, a teacher, an art dealer and in a bookstore before he began painting.
- Older brother of Theo van Gogh.
- Contrary to an extremely common myth, he did --not sever his whole ear, only the top lobe. This was proven from the account that after he died, the covering on his ear was unwrapped and only the top lobe was missing.
- He didn't start painting until he was twenty-seven years old.
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