Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat. Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh Self-Portrait with Straw Hat 1887-Metropolitan.jpg (source). Public domain — PD-Art.
Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat
Vincent van Gogh · 1887-88, Winter
- Catalog
- F0365v
- Date
- 1887-88, Winter
- Place painted
- Paris
- Museum
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
About the painting
This self-portrait from Van Gogh's Parisian period is a striking example of his experimentation with color and developing expressive style. It presents a relatively composed, intensely focused gaze. Van Gogh depicts himself wearing a straw hat, a recurring motif often signifying his connection to nature. The most remarkable aspect is the vibrant, pulsating use of color in the background, composed of dynamic, short brushstrokes in shades of blue and green. These strokes create a swirling, energetic field. His face, rendered with directness and solidity, contrasts with the agitated background, yet his skin tones show Parisian light influence. The intensity of his eyes conveys his unwavering self-scrutiny and artistic determination.
Collection: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Whether it is currently on view should be confirmed with the museum before visiting.
Research note: this entry is based on an evolving catalog. Dates, attribution, location and visitor information should be verified against the institution’s current records.