Portrait of Alexander Reid. Vincent van Gogh. Portrait d'Alexander Reid.jpg (source). Public domain — PD-Art.
Portrait of Alexander Reid
Vincent van Gogh · 1886-87, Winter
- Catalog
- F270
- Date
- 1886-87, Winter
- Place painted
- Paris
- Museum
- Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
About the painting
Painted during Van Gogh's transformative period in Paris, Portrait of Alexander Reid captures the likeness of a Scottish art dealer who briefly shared an apartment with Vincent and Theo van Gogh. This striking portrait showcases Van Gogh's experimental approach to color and brushwork, influenced by the Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist movements he encountered in the city. The background is often a dynamic swirl of blues and greens, creating an energetic contrast to Reid's more solidly rendered face. Notably, this painting was once believed to be a self-portrait due to a reported physical resemblance between the two men. It powerfully conveys Van Gogh's ability to infuse a portrait with psychological depth and vivid emotionality.
Collection: Fred Jones Jr. 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.