There are many famous people who continue to live with us through their work. Whether they sought recognition or not, none of them could have known just how famous they would become posthumously. So here’s a list of the top 16 people who made a profound impact on society as well as culture even after their death. Vincent Van Gogh This artist died in 1890 having sold only 1 painting, and popular recognition of his artistic work only came about after 1910. Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. It sold for the equivalent of approximately $109. He was a shy child with low self-esteem but later discovered his love for drawing and painting, and then developed his artistic career during his 20s. Later he went into depression and suffered from epilepsy, which led to his death. After his demise, around 2000 pieces of his art were discovered which are valued in millions today.

Edgar Allan Poe

This American writer who died in 1849 never even made enough money to support himself during his lifetime.

Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. While Poe was able to publish his prose as well as short stories, he never made enough money to support himself. And, after the death of his wife, he gave in to excessive drinking. His work is honoured all over the world for introducing a new type of writing style and theme into the literature world. The actual cause of Poe's death still remains a mystery.

Henry David Thoreau

This philosopher died in 1862 but his literature has inspired many leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy.

An American author, philosopher and historian, Henry David Thoreau was able to truly emphasize the importance of natural living and being one with nature and the natural world. During his lifetime, Thoreau was never understood by people as a result of which only two of his books got published while he was still alive. Today, his literature has inspired many leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy.