Self Portrait with Grey Felt Hat

This painting was realized by Van Gogh during the winter of 1887-1888, when he lived in Paris. It is a self-portrait, since the artist did not have the means to pay models. This painting is innovative in two ways.

First of all, this work is shaped by the influence of the pointillist artists of the time, in particular Paul Signac. Indeed, the touch is split, according to pointillist techniques, but Van Gogh applies it in his own way. This touch differs in shape and application: they are small commas, applied in various directions.

In addition, in this painting, Van Gogh experiments on colour. Indeed, the fragmentation of the touch allows the artist to apply the complementary colours side by side, to intensify their brightness. Van Gogh highlights the blue of the background of the work with orange touches, echoing the colour of the artist's beard. The beard, eyes and felt hat are made of touches combining green and red.