Vincent van Gogh was deeply affected by his childhood experience of isolation and alienation, particularly during his time at home in the Netherlands. This solitude often influenced his art, leading to profound emotional depth in his paintings. His struggles with mental health later in life are also rooted in this early sense of disconnection, fueling his artistic output. Iconic pieces like "Starry Night" reflect his intense emotions and unique perspective on the world, ultimately marking him as a key figure in the evolution of modern art.