"For want of a better model," Van Gogh chose to paint his own portrait on many occasions. While in Paris between 1886 and 1888, Van Gogh lightened his palette under the influence of the brilliant colors of the impressionists, but he soon reserved the use of such light colors to express particular moods. Van Gogh's stay in Paris was a relatively happy one, and in this painting, created during the summer of 1887, he portrays himself with an almost light-hearted appearance.
Credit: City of Detroit Purchase
1887
Oil on artist board, mounted to wood panel
13.8 x 10.5in
22.13
Image and text courtesy of Detroit Institute of Arts Gallery, 2022
Where you'll find this
Detroit Institute of Arts
Permanent collection