he was born vincent willem van gogh on 30 march 1853 in groot-zundert, netherlands. his father, theodorus van gogh, was a pastor. his mother, anna cornelia carbentus, was an artist. van gogh was brought up in a religious and cultured family. he was very emotional and he did not have a great deal of self-confidence. he was also a replacement child. he was born a year after the death of his brother, also named vincent. he even had the same birthday. living at the church rectory vincent walked past the grave of his dead brother every day. there has been speculation that van gogh suffered later psychological trauma as a result, but this cannot be proved.