Artist van gogh drawings and sketches religious

Joseph Hartropp

Today is the birthday of the legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh.

The artist is beloved for his unique, rich and vibrant style – and remembered as a misunderstood genius whose life ended in tragedy. What many may miss is that behind his masterful art and complex life was a committed Christian faith.

Vincent's father was a Dutch Reformed minister and as he grew up in the Netherlands he developed a fervent faith, and a passion for ministry.

Van gogh, pietà

He wanted to study theology, but failing the seminary entrance exam, he instead became a missionary to coal miners in Belgium.

To the impoverished community there Vincent embodied a life of radical self-sacrifice and servanthood, selling everything he had and tending to the needs of the afflicted.

'Vincent was a very generous man.

He understood that unconditional love of God extended to unconditional love for others. He would never recognise love that was not an action,' said W