Hopelessly unsuccessful in his life time, Van Gogh's works are now instantly recognisable. The lecture examines this enigma.
We all know van Gogh. We know the Sunflowers, Starry Night, his self-portraits, the bright prismatic colour applied with energetic strokes of the brush. We know his life was not an easy one.
But why is he so famous? What makes him possibly the best-known artist in the world? Why does every gift shop in every gallery have a Vincent gift on display? What makes his paintings instantly recognizable? His failure to find sales or success during his lifetime, his suffering leading to self-mutilation & later to suicide at the age of 37 are all well known.
What happened during his short life, and afterwards to transform him into the world’s best-loved artist?
Images: (courtesy of the lecturer) Starry Night (1889) MoMA, New York, Sunflowers (1888), The National Gallery, London.
How to book this event:
Doors open at 7:30 pm and the lecture will start at 8 pm. Non-members are welcome but they are encouraged to make a donation to the Society at the door. Their contribution will be deducted from their subscription if they then decide to join. Details of how to become a member can be found on the following website. www.theartssocietyswlondon.org.uk
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Ms Lucrezia Walker
Is a regular lecturer at the National Gallery both in front of the paintings and in the lecture theatre. For the Tate Gallery's Development department she speaks to their corporate sponsors in their offices and at their private receptions in both Tates. She teaches US undergraduates on their Study Abroad semesters in London. She was Lay Canon for the Visual Arts at St Paul's Cathedral 2010-2014.
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