Self-Portrait (1887)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
This painting is a self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1887. In it, Van Gogh presents himself directly facing the viewer with a piercing and intense gaze that seems to convey the depth of his emotions and perhaps his complicated inner life. His striking red beard and ginger hair are rendered with vivid, expressive brushstrokes that highlight his distinctive features and add a dynamic texture to the image.Van Gogh has used a rich palette of mainly cool blues and greens in the background, contrasted sharply with the warm tones of his face and beard. This use of complementary colors adds to the intensity of the portrait. The brushwork is typical of Van Gogh’s style, with visible and energetic strokes that contribute movement and a somewhat tumultuous energy to the piece.The artist’s attire, a jacket with a patterned shirt beneath, is depicted in a realistic yet stylized manner, using thick, textured strokes of paint that add a tactile quality to his clothing. This self-portrait not only captures Van Gogh’s physical appearance but also seems to offer a glimpse into his state of mind during the period of his life when he was profoundly engaged in exploring his emotional and artistic expressions.