Vincent Van Gogh is today celebrated as the greatest Dutch painter, along with Rembrandt (“Vincent Willem”). Born in Holland on March 30, 1853, Van Gogh had five other siblings and two parents, and although his mother was an artist, he did not become interested in art until much later in life ("Vincent Willem "). Van Gogh had many shortcomings during his short, sad time on earth and it was only in his late twenties, after all else had failed, that he gave art a chance . With the help of his older brother Theo, Van Gogh was able to put all his emotions and mental worries to good use, creating masterpieces that today sell for millions of dollars ("Vincent Willem") . Although he is immensely successful today, Van Gogh had little to no fame during his life and he struggled mightily with his mindset for many years. Ultimately, his mental illness (some believe there were several) led to his untimely death, but his turbulent mindset also helped him create magnificent images that are revered as some of the greatest works of art today. keep in mind that Van Gogh was born exactly one year after his brother, also named Vincent, was stillborn ("Vincent Willem"). This strange situation most certainly led to some of Van Gogh's misadventures later in his life. Additionally, Van Gogh's own mother was an artist, but she never encouraged art in her children, and neither she nor her husband supported Van Gogh when he decided to study and practice creative thinking (“Vincent Willem”). Van Gogh's father was a pastor, and he and his siblings grew up in a very religious household, which led to some of Van Gogh's life choices and also some of his misfortunes along the way (The Gallery Van Gogh).At the young age of ...... middle of paper ...... for society to accept his works. Society, as the petition signed by his neighbors against his dangerous nature shows, was afraid of Van Gogh. They were afraid of his outbursts, they were afraid of his deep depressions and his thoughts. He wasn't close to anyone except Theo, and that society was disturbing. The outcasts (prostitutes) with whom Van Gogh was in love were not so far from himself. Many considered him an outcast and a troublemaker. Once his disturbing soul was no longer disrupting society, they began to embrace his life and art. Today he is considered the greatest Dutch painter, after Rembrandt, and his art is recognized as a treasure. It took 37 years of struggle, misfortune, drugs, heartbreak, little money, mental illness and the support of his brother Theo to push Vincent Van Gogh to the forefront of the greatest artists of all time..