Who are some underrated people in history?

Well, I guess every country has wronged or failed to pay proper respect to figures from its history. Whether they worked behind the scenes or were overshadowed by other great contemporaries.

Now, who would I put in that category of historical figures? Unfortunately, nobody comes to mind right now. But I can mention some artists and writers who are, in fact, historical figures, are now well known for their work, and whose success was boosted after their deaths. Means they didn’t experience the satisfaction of their work being recognized.

One is Franz Kafka, my favorite writer. He was known in his close literary circle, but he died very young, at 40, and couldn’t imagine that his work would later become a worldwide success and be translated into 100 different languages, as UNESCO notes.

The other artist is the world-famous Vincent van Gogh; during his lifetime, he sold only one painting and lived in poverty. Thankfully, he survived with the support of his younger brother, who covered his living expenses and paid for his painting materials. And now hearing that his paintings are valued at many millions of dollars or euros, it’s crazy.

So, we can see, it’s not easy being an artist. Having great talent doesn’t guarantee recognition from peers. Anyway, a genuine artist just wants to create, regardless of great recognition, because creating art is like breathing.

_{Image: Vincent van Gogh, Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear (1889)}