The 19th century saw the birth of Impressionism with a group of individuals who later became the masters of Impressionism to the present world. This group included Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro and Edgar Degas.

Shortly after Vincent’s arrival in Paris, Theo introduced him to Pissarro. Vincent van Gogh had great respect for the latter’s judgment. In one incident, Vincent stopped his mentor right in the middle of a crowded street and insisted on showing him his latest canvases. Pissarro had later commented that he felt that Vincent would either go mad or leave the Impressionists far behind. Little did he know that he would hold true on both counts.

In November 1881, Vincent met Anton Mauve who was married to one of his cousins. A leading member of The Hague School, he was impressed by Vincent’s works and had invited him to work in his studio. When Mauve looked critically at Vincent’s first attempt at still life he had remarked that he always thought that Vincent was rather dull but now he knew that that was not true. Though Vincent’s relationship with Mauve was extremely valuable, it was a turbulent one. Mauve also disapproved his relationship with Sein, the prostitute.

Anton Mauve played an important role in the formation of Vincent’s career as an artist. Upon his death in 1888, Vincent immediately began painting a work in his honor.

Vincent settled down in a quiet destination, Auvers-sur-Oise. Here, he met Dr. Gachet shortly after his arrival. The doctor was a good supporter of artists and the Impressionist movement. He himself was an amateur painter. Vincent had struck up a good relationship with him. In Auvers it seemed Vincent found peace and tranquility.

He immortalized the doctor in his painting The Portrait of Dr Gachet. This painting was later sold at a Christie’s auction for a whopping $82.5 million, the highest ever for a painting.

Nobody had any indication of the impending doom that was soon to follow. In one of the letters to brother Theo, Vincent described Dr Gachet as a person who was sicker than he was. Several questions arise regarding Dr Gachet. How could Vincent’s suicidal behavior escape the doctor’s eye? Also what did Vincent mean by describing the doctor as sicker than he was.

"The sadness will last forever…"

Vincent had visited Theo and his family on July 6, 1890, by catching an early train. However, he was overwhelmed by the journey and quickly returned to Auvers. Theo’s son, young Vincent had been sick and almost on the verge of dying. Vincent was probably devastated at the state of his brother’s condition. Vincent must have regarded himself a burden to Theo and his family and for being responsible for their financial state and troubles. However, his behavior did not give any indication of his mental turmoil. During the next three weeks, Vincent resumed painting and was calm. However on July 27, 1890, Vincent set out with his easel and painting materials, for the fields. There he took a revolver and shot himself in the chest.

But he did not die immediately. Such was the strength of the man that he managed to get back to the place where he stayed and collapsed. He was later discovered. Dr. Mazery, the local practitioner was called in along with Dr Gachet. It was decided not to remove the bullet. Gachet sent for Theo. He was at his brother’s bedside and was consoling him that he would get better. But Vincent then said, "sadness will last forever."

Theo, his greatest friend and supporter was holding his hand when Vincent said his last words, "I wish I could pass away like this." He died at 1:30 am on July 29, 1890. The Catholic church of Auvers did not allow the burial in its cemetery because Vincent had committed suicide. The nearby town of Mery, allowed the burial on July 30.