Few painters appeal to the imagination as much as Vincent van Gogh. In less than ten years, under very difficult circumstances and almost entirely through his own efforts, this inspired son of a parson grew from amateur into a mature master whose work has become renowned far beyond the borders of his native land. He did not live to see his talent recognised. Nor could he possibly ever have dreamt that he would be an enduring source of inspiration for subsequent generations of artists. Only a small circle of artists showed any interest in his work during his own lifetime. Now he is a household name and his paintings and drawings are admired throughout the world. It is safe to say that his oeuvre is still best represented in his own native country.