Self-portrait of Van Gogh

The renowned Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) created more than 35 self-portraits during his lifetime. As Van Gogh did not have money to hire models the painting himself provided him the practice necessary to improve his skills. Little did he realize that the time that his self-portraits would become so highly valued by art historians and collectors alike. They are an important part of the diary of the artist’s life. The evolution of Van Gogh’s artistic skills can be seen through these 35 self-portraits. Study the self-portraits to see changes in his life, his emotions, and his painting technique.

Here are five self-portraits considered to represent of each stage of his life.

1. Self-Portrait with pipe (1186)

Self-Portrait with Pipe was believed to be Van Gogh’s first Self-Portrait. He wears a black suit and is smoking a pipe. Van Gogh was 33 years old when he painted this self-portrait (between March and June in 1886), after arriving in Paris to live with his brother Theo in Montmartre. It was a small artwork to practice his oil painting skills.

2. Self-portrait with Straw Hat (1887)

Painted in the summer of 1887, Self-Portrait with Straw Hat portrayed Van Gogh as in his rural attire, wearing yellow straw hat and light summer clothes. Due to the lack of wood and canvas, Van Gogh painted it on a cheap cardboard.

3. Self-Portrait was painted in Paris in 1887

In this self-portrait, Van Gogh applied vibrant colors in the new painting style at that time known as “Pointillism”. He experimented with the movement, colors and rhythm of brushstrokes, which reflected powerful emotions and created a sparkle of color.

4. Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe was painted in January 1889

This self-portrait depicted the sadness in Van Gogh’s life. He painted it after his friendship with fellow artist, Gauguin ended. With stress and uncontrollable mind, Van Gogh cut off his left ear with a razor blade. The artist’s sorrow and confusion can be seen through the painting. His uneasiness can be seen in his eyes.

5. Self-Portrait in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (1889).

This is believed to be the last self-portrait of Van Gogh. He painted it in September 1889, when he lived in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Van Gogh was in a suit, the expression in his eyes displaying his confusion. Van Gogh uses a unique painting technique: thick layers of colors and strong brushstrokes form texture and volume, which he used to represent a wave of emotion he found difficult to control.

Written by Piyasaeng Chantarawongpaisarn