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Glite Dictionary
van Gogh

van Gogh

43 5.9
A Dutch painter from the 1800s famous for bright colors and bold brushstrokes
  • proper noun
  • /væn ɡoʊ/
: van Gogh
  • No one needs to own a van Gogh original.

Examples

  • Vincent van Gogh.

    Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

  • Van Gogh.

    Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

  • Many people admire the work of van Gogh for its vibrant colors.

  • Art lovers often visit museums to see masterpieces by van Gogh.

  • The starry night sky in the painting by van Gogh is breathtaking.

Synonyms

Vincent van Gogh
vsvan Gogh
7 5.1

A Dutch painter known for bright colours and strong brush strokes

is the shorter surname form, more concise and less formal

Surface Forms

van Gogh main

Morphology

van + Gogh

This is a proper name referring to a specific person; its meaning (the Dutch painter) is referential, not compositionally built from the parts. Knowing 'van' (which in English often denotes a vehicle or in Dutch surnames means 'of/from') and 'Gogh' would not allow a B1 learner to infer the person’s identity or profession, so the expression is non-compositional for learners.

Etymology

Van Gogh comes from the real Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, who painted with strong colors and thick, visible brush strokes. Because of famous works like 'Starry Night', saying 'van Gogh' today makes people think of that artist and of art with bright color and deep feeling.