Who was Vincent Van Gogh? 

Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch painter who is considered to be one of the most famous and influential painters of all time. He was born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands, and died on July 29, 1890, in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. He created over 2,000 pieces of art, many of which were created in the last two years of his life, including his most well-known, The Starry Night.  

Art View

Let’s take a look at a few of Van Gogh’s most well-known paintings and a few of his least-known artworks. Which are familiar to you?

Views of Roofs and Back Houses, 1886

Le Blute-Fin Mill, 1886

The Hill of Montmartre with Quarry, 1886

Bridges across the Seine at Asnières, 1887

Japonaiserie: Flowering Plum Tree, 1887

Still Life with French Novels and a Rose, 1887

La Berceuse (Augustine Roulin),1889

Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, 1887

Bedroom in Arles, 1888

Café Terrace at Night, 1888

Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin, 1889

Starry Night Over the Rhône, 1888

Still Life: Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, 1889

Wheat Field with Cypresses, 1889

The Starry Night, 1889

Books to help you really get to know Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh: He Saw the World in Vibrant Colors by Amy Guglielmo

Young children can meet Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh and learn what led him to paint his striking self-portraits and the landscapes that inspired his iconic Wheat Fields.

Goodnight, Starry Night by Julie Appel

Say goodnight and celebrate art in this creative peek-through format! Ignite an early love of art and send little ones gently off to sleep as you whisper, Peek-a-Boo Art! Includes work from: Vincent van Gogh, Diego Rivera, Berthe Morisot, and more

An Eye for Art: Focusing on Great Artists and Their Work by the National Gallery of Art

Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of full color images, this family-oriented art resource introduces children to more than 50 great artists and their work, with corresponding activities and explorations that inspire artistic development, focused looking, and creative writing.

Vincent Van Gogh by Eileen Lucas 

Follows the life and artistic development of the painter who moved from Belgium and Holland to France, was influenced by Impressionism, and eventually created his own unique style.

Who Can Save Vincent’s Hidden Treasure? by Thomas Brezina 

In Thomas Brezina’s latest interactive adventure readers will discover the power and beauty of Van Gogh’s brilliant palette, and learn about the artist’s work, life and times.

Get into Art: Places by Susie Brooks.

Introduces readers to works of art featuring “places” by such esteemed artists as Vincent van Gogh, Juan Gris, Paul Klee, Katsushika Hokusai, Raoul Dufy, Wassily Kandinsky, L.S. Lowry, Abraham Ortelius, Stuart Davis, Rene Magritte and provides instruction for “place” centered art projects.

The Children’s Book of Art by Rosie Dickins

An introduction to painting which covers the works of such famous artists as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. Includes Internet links.

Van Gogh by Mike Venezia.

Briefly examines the life and work of the nineteenth-century Dutchman who was one of the greatest artists of all time.

Van Gogh by Enrica Crispino 

Introduces the life and works of nineteenth century artist, Vincent Van Gogh.

13 Artists Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel

Featured artists are introduced chronologically, accompanied by a timeline to offer helpful historical context. Each artist’s entry includes a concise biography, beautiful reproductions of major works, and lively texts. Games, quizzes and other activities help readers learn about the significant contributions of each artist in a way that is both fun and inspiring.

Vincent Can’t Sleep: Van Gogh Paints the Night Sky by Barb Rosenstock 

Describes how Van Gogh’s insomnia, possibly a symptom of mental or physical illness, allowed him to view the night sky while everyone else was asleep and influenced how he saw the world around him.

Van Gogh by Bruce Bernard

Looks at Van Gogh’s life and career, analyzes details of selected paintings, and discusses influences on his art.

Splat!: The Most Exciting Artists of All Time by Mary Richards

Splat! traces art history through its key turning points and helps to map important art movements from the Renaissance and Impressionism to Surrealism and contemporary art.

Vincent’s Colors: Words and Pictures by Vincent van Gogh 

Vincent van Gogh is one of the world’s most famous artists. Throughout his life, he wrote to his younger brother, Theo, about his colorful, dynamic paintings. This book pairs the artist’s paintings with his own words.

Katie and the Sunflowers by James Mayhew

While visiting the art museum, Katie has an adventure stepping in and out of five paintings by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne. Includes information about Post-impressionism and the particular paintings and artists in the story.