Picture this: Adolphe dedicated himself single-mindedly to his art, he was all about the Romantic style of painting, - the one with bright flurries of colours that make your eyes go starry starry eyed. Adolphe had an eclectic taste, with this works ranging from courtly scenes inspired by Antoine Watteau, to still lifes, portraits, and Orientalist pieces. Monticelli's magnificent masterpieces were many, but misery was his main mate upon his return to Marseille after 1870. He was like a ship sailing towards his artistic vision, unfazed by the rough waters of the world.
It is a testament to Monticelli's unique style that his work was able to catch the attention of such great artists as van Gogh. In a letter to his brother, Vincent expressed his joy that his friend Reid had increased the price of Monticelli’s works. Vincent and his brother Theo owned 5 Monticelli’s so for a moment it seemed they might become rich. However, it is almost as if the impoverished life of Adolphe Monticelli was a premonition of the future fate that awaited van Gogh. Was he, in a way, cursed by Monticelli to suffer the same fate of a brilliant painter, destitute and in poverty? Despite the tragic end that awaited van Gogh, the impact of Monticelli's art on the Dutch painter's work cannot be denied. It was a connection that proved to be not only useful but also profoundly productive for van Gogh's artistic career.
Monticelli was an artist who was ahead of his time, but unfortunately, his originality wasn't appreciated by his contemporaries. Despite his great talent, his work was considered bizarre, unfortunately ‘bizarre’ was not en vogue which meant he never saw any money from his work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolphe_Monticelli
https://www.finestresullarte.info/en/works-and-artists/-i-am-sure-i-will-be-his-continuator-van-gogh-and-adolphe-monticelli-the-painter-who-inspired-his-sunflowers
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/behind-the-scenes/behind-the-scenes-in-conservation-the-unfashionable-artist-who-inspired-van-gogh