Starry Night, Syphilis, and Sunflowers

In this premiere episode of Blank Canvas, we begin our two part journey into the life and art of Vincent van Gogh. This episode introduces us to Vincent, an artist that was so much more than a tragic figure that suffered from mental illness. In this episode we talk about his relationship and rivalry with fellow artist and short time roommate Paul Gauguin, as well as Vincent’s family relationships. We talk about his formative time in Arles where Vincent painted some of his most well known and celebrated works of art. Why did Vincent cut off his ear? This episode sets the stage for this infamous event…as with everything there is more to the story… WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE EPISODE The Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), 1889. Oil on canvas, 29 x 36 1/4" (73.7 x 92.1 cm). MOMA, NYC Sunflowers (Series), Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Arles, January 1889. Oil on canvas, 95 cm x 73 cm. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam The Night Café, Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Arles, 1888. Oil on canvas, 2′ 5″ x 3′ 0″. Yale University Art Gallery Night Café at Arles (Madame Ginoux), Paul Gauguin, (1848 - 1903), Arles, 1888. Oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm. Pushkin Museum, Moscow L'Arlésienne: Madame Ginoux with gloves and umbrella. Vincent van Gogh, (1853 - 1890), Arles, 1888. Oil on canvas (burlap), 92.5 x 73.5 cm, Musée d'Orsay, Paris