Vincent Van Gogh

At Eternity’s Gate, 1890

Oil on canvas
80cm x 64cm
 Whenever we speak of geniuses, our minds automatically revert to the likes of
Einstein, Hawking, or Newton. These people undoubtedly exemplified scientific
excellence and performed unimaginable breakthroughs that changed the course of
humankind and the nature of the world, altogether. However, our idea of "genius" seems
to be limited within the confines of science, while humanities and the arts are deliberately
set aside. Moreover, Vincent Van Gogh, undoubtedly the most popular of all artists, did
not have enough recognition as one of these "geniuses".
Vincent Van Gogh’s At Eternity's Gate struck me as soon as I saw it. I have been
aware of Van Gogh's life and works; but to be frank, nothing of his has really tugged my
heartstrings as much as this. The painting depicts sorrow and suffering but there's still a
sense of beauty and grace to it. There is that loneliness, hopelessness, and regret as
well. Yet it sort of screams at you and cries for help. The hunched man seems to be losing
faith but the title speaks of faith at the same time. It's amazing how Van Gogh depicted
all of these emotions in a painting of a faceless man. He was ingeniously able to connect
with people through the subject's body language---the way the lines curve and colors
meld to form this sad shape of a human being. He conveys his madness and depression
in a very powerful, dramatic and even in a lyrical and rhythmic way. Van Gogh is one of
those few who left not just a mark in the arts but an entire legacy that many people
continue to emulate and yet, he must have felt so alone.

DELGADO, Margarette Laine G. 2A13