Before becoming a painter, Vincent van Gogh initially pursued a career in art dealership. He worked at several branches of the Goupil & Cie gallery, where he developed an appreciation for art and artists. However, after a series of personal conflicts and a growing disillusionment with the art world, he shifted his focus to painting in his late twenties. This transformation marked the beginning of his passionate, albeit troubled, quest for artistic expression that ultimately defined his legacy as one of the most influential artists in history.