Vincent Van Gogh’s Earlier Careers: The Winding Road to the Studio

Before he ever picked up a paintbrush, Vincent Van Gogh’s early life was filled with a patchwork of professions—none of which hinted at the artistic genius he would later become. From selling art to preaching sermons, Van Gogh’s journey to becoming an artist at age 27 was anything but straightforward.

Van Gogh the Art Dealer

One of Van Gogh’s first real jobs was as an art dealer, following in the footsteps of his uncle, who worked for the international art firm Goupil & Cie. Vincent began his work at the company’s Hague office at just 16 and later moved to their London and Paris branches. During this time, he developed a deep knowledge of Van Gogh books and artworks, and he initially thrived in the position.

But over time, Van Gogh became increasingly disillusioned with the art market’s commercialism. His growing philosophical and emotional intensity clashed with the job’s transactional nature, and by 1876, his career as an art dealer came to an end.

Teacher, Bookseller, and Preacher

After leaving the art world, Van Gogh searched for deeper meaning and direction. He briefly worked as a teacher in England, instructing children in reading and arithmetic. This short stint was followed by a job as a bookseller in Dordrecht, where he immersed himself in religious texts and classic literature. His love for books would remain a lifelong source of inspiration.

Drawn to faith, Van Gogh decided to become a lay preacher and eventually took on the role of a missionary in the impoverished Borinage mining region of Belgium. Here, he lived in extreme poverty, sharing what little he had with the miners. Though he was deeply committed, his unconventional approach to ministry, living like the people he served, led church authorities to remove him from his post.

The Turning Point

It wasn’t until 1880, at the age of 27, that Van Gogh began seriously pursuing art. Encouraged by his younger brother Theo, he began to study drawing and painting. His previous jobs as a teacher, preacher, bookseller, and missionary left a profound impact on his worldview, fueling the emotional depth and humanity that would later define his work.

These experiences also sharpened his sense of empathy, particularly toward the working class, which is visible in early paintings like The Potato Eaters.

A Life Reimagined

Though he entered the art world late, Van Gogh made up for lost time. In just a decade, he produced over 2,000 works, becoming one of the most iconic and influential artists in history. His story is a reminder that the path to purpose isn’t always direct. Vincent Van Gogh’s early life was filled with false starts and questions, but each step helped shape the artist he would become.