That’s not quite true. Yes people cared less about his art while he was alive, but that was because of his erratic behavior. There was no doubt that the people surrounding him found his art beautiful, especially In his later years when he was staying at the clinics

Well that was entirely my point, Van Gogh took a completely new approach to colour, use of light, painting en plein air etc.

People never appreciated him but at least Van Gogh could say he’s doing something groundbreaking and new.

Whereas the artist in question here, I can’t imagine they’ve ever legitimately thought that of their own art, it’s just not that groundbreaking or good.

Maybe they just realise that they’re unemployable elsewhere so they may as well carry on

Their advice wasn’t wrong. He never enjoyed any of the success or fame he has now. Not even a fraction of it.

The world was lucky to have Van Gogh, but Van Gogh was very unlucky to have this world.