Not Just Beautiful Tulips: an Incredible Bouquet of Dutch Celebrities
The Netherlands is known as a country of tulips, windmills, canals, clogs and coffee shops, but there is much more to this wonderful country than it might seem at first glance. Of course, we are talking about the most famous Dutch people. Here is a short list of some incredibly famous people from the Netherlands.
Vincent van Gogh, painter (1853-1890)
Vincent van Gogh is at the top of our list of the most famous people from Netherlands. He is one of the most brilliant artists of the 20th century in the world without an artistic education. The use of colours and vivid descriptions in his landscape paintings and portraits made his works unforgettable. Van Gogh had some mental difficulties as an artist and as a person and struggled with manic depression, which is said to have led him to try to cut off his ear and eventually commit suicide. His paintings are still exhibited in museums around the world and are very popular.
Mata Hari, courtesan (1876-1917)
Mata Hari is in second place among the famous Dutch women. She was a popular celebrity, courtesan and exotic dancer. Postcards with images of Mata Hari were sold in every kiosk, the "best Indian cigarettes made from Sumatra tobacco" were named after her, and her portraits were printed on biscuit tins. She was the mistress of the most famous and wealthy people in Europe at the time. Eventually, she was accused of spying for Germany during the First World War. She was shot dead in France and her head was kept in a museum, but later disappeared. This "Femme Fatale" has been immortalised in many films and books. A separate variety of tulips was even bred in her honour.
Rembrandt van Rijn, painter (1606-1669)
Rembrandt is another artist who instantly comes to mind when it comes to famous people from the Netherlands, especially when you consider the best Dutch art. A genius who conquered the world with his brush. He became a trendsetter of the golden age of Dutch painting. His paintings are well known all over the world, and he is considered one of the greatest artists in history.
The Netherlands is also home to the tallest people in the world. This fun fact about the Netherlands remains a mystery, as the reason for their height is still unknown. Some theories explain the Dutch genetics, universal healthcare, low social inequality and a diet rich in cheese and dairy products.
You can also read interesting facts about famous people from Austria, Belgium and Sweden.