Van Gogh

In the Power of Art episode six, Sir Simon Schama analyses the hopelessness and victory found in Van Gogh's most famous work, ''Wheat Field with Crows.''

Young Vincent’s story begins in Groot-Zundert, where Schama sketches out his career as a teacher, preacher, and art dealer in Holland, England, and Belgium. Studying art in Brussels, his early work was dominated by somber, earthy colors depicting peasant workers, the most famous of which is ''The Potato Eaters.''

Following an argument with Paul Gauguin, Van Gogh suffered a mental breakdown and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where he carried on painting. In 1890, he completed his finest work, ''Wheatfield with Crows.'' Weeks later the artist took his own life.

Schama asks, Is there a cry of triumph or grief in the painting? Actor Andy Serkis portrays Vincent Van Gogh.