Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Vincent Van Gogh: Life & Times
Early Years | Painting | The Impressionists | Arles | AsylumThe Impressionists
In 1886, Vincent insisted on joining Theo in Paris, who arranged for him to become a pupil at the studio of Cormon. Although the dry, academic style was not to his taste, Vincent became friends with his lead pupil, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and was soon immersed in the twilight world of prostitutes and absinthe.
While in Paris, the Impressionists held sway and Vincent was exposed to a huge variety of influences from Paul Gauguin, Degas, Camille and Lucien Pissarro, Signac and Seurat.
While in Paris, the Impressionists held sway and Vincent was exposed to a huge variety of influences from Paul Gauguin, Degas, Camille and Lucien Pissarro, Signac and Seurat.
His own artistic output was prolific, with 230 paintings in two years. His wandering style reached a defining moment when he discovered Japanese prints, and the use of brighter colours was to endure.
In 1888, rows with Theo led to another abrupt departure, to Arles.
In 1888, rows with Theo led to another abrupt departure, to Arles.
