Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Michelangelo all have one thing in common: their struggle helps them unleash creativity and produce some of their best artwork visible throughout history.
Artists often project their pain in their art by reflecting their emotions and experiences into their work. This leads to artists paying more attention to small details. Unknowingly, these artists create their best artwork under these harsh circumstances.
I firmly believe that when artists go through hard times and struggle internally, they produce better work.
We first see this with Van Gogh, who created his famous painting “Starry Night” during a mental asylum stay. His mental instability inspired his vision and created one of the best works in history.
Additionally, Pablo Picasso painted “Guernica” during the Spanish Civil War. His despair and desire for peace helped him envision something creative for his canvas. In return, it became one of his most iconic paintings.
We also see this pattern with Michelangelo, who suffered extreme knotting on his spine and almost went blind while painting the Sistine Chapel in France.
Even art historians agree that hardship fuels creativity. Ruth Millington, an art historian, critic and writer, shared her opinion in a piece published by the art magazine, Rise Art.
“Human tragedy gave rise to the Renaissance… It led people to seek solace in the arts. Far from being driven to despair, artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Sandro Botticelli, painted scenes celebrating life in all its glory,” Millington told Rise Art.
Artists portray different things that they learn from the real world. One example is politically motivated work “The Death of Marat” by Jacques David. This tells the story of politician and journalist Jean Paul Marat who died during the French Revolution and was close friends with David.
Personally, historic artwork is undoubtedly stunning. The tragedies that these artists have to go through to produce such work is magnificent. Art conveys a feeling that touches the viewer deeply, providing a mirror into the past.
I think that Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Picasso and Botticelli showcase what it’s like to pour their souls into a canvas.
For many popular artists seen in history, obstacles push them to create some of the most intricate pieces of art no matter the medium. They, like many other artists, are a great example of this.
Whether it be politically inclined, mentally or physically relative, their suffering has been tied to amazing art. Struggles can inspire artists to create some of their best work. History shows that when the world gets bad, art is often the brighter one left shining.
