Vincent was born on March 30, 1853 in Groot-Zundest, a small Dutch village in southern Holland, near the Belgian border. His father was a pastor and two of his uncles were art dealers. At sixteen, Vincent began working in The Hague as an art salesman for Goupil & Cie, an international art dealer. He began writing to his beloved younger brother, Theo. This correspondence would last all their lives. From The Hague, Vincent was sent to a branch of Groupil's in London, and then, in 1875, to a branch in Paris. He immersed himself in the art in the great museums and galleries of these cities. Daily contact with works of art kindled his appreciation of paintings and drawings. Gradually he lost interest in his work at Groupil's and turned to the Bible. His work performance continued to deteriorate until 1876, when he is dismissed.