Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Vincent van Gogh’s Last Words
“La tristesse durera toujours. (The sadness will last forever.)”— Vincent van Gogh, July 29, 1890
Who Was Vincent van Gogh?
Vincent van Gogh produced over 2,000 works in just a decade of painting, including Starry Night and Sunflowers. He suffered from mental illness throughout his life and sold only one painting during his lifetime.
The Final Moments
Van Gogh was found with a bullet wound in his abdomen in a wheat field near Auvers-sur-Oise. He died two days later in his room at the Auberge Ravoux, with his brother Theo at his side.
Are These Words Verified?
Theo van Gogh documented these words in a letter to their sister written days after Vincent's death, providing a primary source. The French phrase and its profound meaning are consistently reported across contemporary accounts.
Sources
- firsthand Theo van Gogh letter to Elisabeth van Gogh
- archive Van Gogh Museum archives
- firsthand Dr. Paul Gachet's account
Legacy
Van Gogh's work became enormously influential after his death, and his paintings now sell for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Vincent van Gogh’s last words?
“La tristesse durera toujours. (The sadness will last forever.)”
How did Vincent van Gogh die?
Vincent van Gogh died on July 29, 1890 at the age of 37. Cause of death: Gunshot wound (self-inflicted or possible murder).
Were Vincent van Gogh’s last words documented?
Theo van Gogh documented these words in a letter to their sister written days after Vincent's death, providing a primary source. The French phrase and its profound meaning are consistently reported across contemporary accounts.
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