Cybele Nader20120084428/04/2014FAAH 229B: The Birth of the Modern: From Manet to PicassoProfessor: H. FransesTerm PaperVincent Van GoghVincent Van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutchman post-impressionist painter. Unpopular in his day but still his own worst critic, he suffered painful anxiety and mental illness and died at the age of 37. It was only in 1886, when he moved to Paris, that he encountered impressionism, which is why he underwent a rapid adaptation to the style. His progression is rather rapid, therefore subsequently making it difficult to relate his paintings together and compare them with those of other artists. However he began to use a lighter palette in 1886 than in his previous works, and in 1887 he switched to a pointillist technique, and then continued to develop his own style. He was also known to be a great admirer of Japanese prints like most of the Impressionists, especially Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and many others. Little was known about Japan at the time, which sparked curiosity and fascination in the West. Most artists and writers generated a romanticized ideal of Japan, which was thought to be a primordial country whose people remained close to nature. In 1888, Van Gogh created an image of Japan as nature and collected artwork of flowering trees. Figure 1Vincent Van Gogh, Bedroom in Arles, 1888In 1888, Van Gogh painted his Bedroom in Arles, while living in his famous yellow house. The objects depicted in the painting, namely his bed, two chairs and a table, all seem to be tilted downwards and the whole perspective looks quite strange. In fact, after moving to the south of France, the artist's style changed considerably, moving away from impressionism. H......middle of paper......has faced this rejection in his life, from neighbors, artists, critics, and galleries. Very few people appreciated his art, which explains his long history of mental illness. His bedroom painting creates a homely ideal, a sanctuary without claustrophobia, coldness with warmth and companionship in the mating and communion of furniture, which may be what he desired. A friend, a partner, someone who appreciated him. He was inspired by nature and deeply appreciated the south of France, which is why his style developed greatly when he moved there. Speaking about his paintings made in Saint-Remy, he told his brother: “I didn't have to do much to try to express sadness and extreme loneliness [...] these canvases will tell you what I can't say in words, that is, how healthy and invigorating I find the countryside.”