A new work every 36 hours: Despite only working for 10 years—from the age of 27 up until his early demise at 37—van Gogh was incredibly prolific. He produced more than 900 paintings and many more drawings and sketches, which works out at nearly a new artwork every 36 hours.

But he never achieved professional success during his lifetime. He sold only one painting while alive. Vincent van Gogh became successful as an artist in the world several decades after his death.