The Red Vineyards,1888, by Van Gogh
Although it's said Van Gogh(梵高)(1853-1890) sold only one painting during his lifetime, different theories(理论) exist(存在).
It is true that The Red Vineyard is the only painting sold during Van Gogh's lifetime, and that was officially(官方地)recorded and accepted by the art world. It's recorded that Van Gogh started painting at 27, and died at 37. His famous paintings were produced after he went to France in 1888, only two years before he died. So it would be clear that he did not sell many.
However, others disagree. The leading Van Gogh scholar(学者), Marc, is one of them. Though the story that Van Gogh sold just one painting still goes around, he insists(坚持说) that Van Gogh sold at least two.
Also, according to the Van Gogh Museum website, Van Gogh actually sold a number of paintings for living during his lifetime. His first money came from his uncle, who was an art dealer(经销商). In order to help Van Gogh's career(事业), he ordered 19 paintings. And Van Gogh himself would often trade his paintings for food or art supplies(美术用品)when he was younger.
Van Gogh died in July of 1890. His brother was a wise dealer and saved lots of paintings by Van Gogh. His greatest wish was to make the works more widely known and make much money. Sadly he himself died just six months later. He left a large collection of art to his wife, who "sold some of Van Gogh's works, lent as many as she could to exhibitions, and published(出版) many of Van Gogh's letters to his brother. Without her, Van Gogh would never have become as famous as he is today." After her death, her son founded the Van Gogh Museum.
