Dutch artist who worked as art dealer, schoolmaster then missionary before turning to art at the age of 27.   Self taught his early works were heavy and rich but subdued in color but this was to change radically to thick, frenzied brushwork and brilliant color following his association with other painters in Paris .   He attempted to form a "Studio of the South" at Arles but was only successful in persuading Gauguin to join him.   Following a violent quarrel with Gauguin in 1888 he suffered the first of several bouts of madness and cut off his ear.   2 years later he shot himself.   During his short artistic career he was a prolific painter, sometimes completing a new painting each day, yet throughout this time he was little known and only sold 1 painting.    Now, in distinct contrast, his paintings are much sought after.