Why is Van Gogh regarded as one of the greatest painters of all time?

Question:

Why is Van Gogh regarded as one of the greatest painters of all time?

I don't know a lot about painting, but his paintings don't technically seem to be as great as those of others like leonardo da vinci, or michelangelo, or rembrandt, or monet, etc etc. i don't know, maybe it has something to do with expressionism, or some technical aspects that i am missing.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Many artists have the ability to reproduce what they see. They are brilliant technicians. But there is more to art! There's design and there's passion, there's movement and energy... then there's rarity. There was a sort of sophisticated naivetee to Van Gogh who was blessed with the ability to talk to us through empassioned and tortured strokes of startling colors. The artists you mention, albeit amazing, engage the viewer on a much different level. You know they are masters by their level of classic accomplishment, with perspective and light and proportion and shadows... Van Gogh was different.... a visceral experience. Whether you like him or not, he engages your attention.. like a child, he speaks loudly and pleadingly with ubiquitous strokes.. he never fails to draw me in.... his works are like sculptures. The Japanese influence on his work.... almost woodcuts come to life.... brought a graphic quality to painting... and was a break with tradition forcing the viewer to rethink their expectations. These works were spontaneous... more splice of life. Van Gogh's works are his side of the conversation.. he's not listening to you....the others are premise complete. Art is an adventure... each statement different and like people we meet... we choose those we like. In my mind, he stands alone.