Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

Generally considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt; he powerfully influenced the current of Expressionism in modern art. His work, all of it produced during a period of only 10 years, hauntingly conveys through its striking color, coarse brushwork, and contoured forms the anguish of a mental illness that eventually resulted in suicide.
Vincent van Gogh is also very well known for cutting of his ear. In fact, in an act of craziness he did actually cut off the lower part of his left ear and offered it to a prostitute as a gift. On several self-portraits you might notice that on self portraits it's always the right ear of Vincent van Gogh that is bandaged.
Van Gogh often looked for inspiration in a liquor called Absinthe. This is a dangerous narcotic drink that was very popular in France in the late 19th century. Also different sources mention van Gogh would have, at least, some sort of epilepsy.

Starry Night

Oil on canvas,1889
28.7" x 36.2" (73 × 92 cm)
Museum of Modern Art, New York

Cafe Terrace at Night

Oil on canvas, 1888
31.9" x 25.8" (81 x 65.5 cm)
Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller, Otterlo

Vase with Twelve Sunflowers

Oil on canvas, 1888
35.8" x 28.3" (91 x 72 cm)
Neue Pinakothek, Munich

Portrait of Dr. Gachet
 

Oil on canvas, 1890
26.4" x 22" (67 x 56 cm)
Private Collection, Japan

Portrait of Dr. Gachet
 

Oil on canvas, 1890
26.4" x 22" (67 x 56 cm)
 Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Irises

Oil on canvas, 1889
28" x 36.6" (71 x 93 cm)
 J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Portrait de l'Artiste sans Barbe
(Self-portrait without beard)

Oil on canvas, 1889
15.8" x 12.2" (40 x 31 cm)