Self-Portrait Dedicated to Paul Gauguin. Vincent van Gogh Van Gogh - Selbstbildnis (Paul Gauguin gewidmet).jpeg (source). Public domain — PD-Art.
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Self-Portrait Dedicated to Paul Gauguin
Vincent van Gogh · 1888, September
- Catalog
- F476
- Date
- 1888, September
- Place painted
- Arles
- Museum
- Harvard Art Museums
- Medium
- Oil on canvas, mounted on panel
About the painting
This iconic Self-Portrait Dedicated to Paul Gauguin, painted in Arles, is a testament to Van Gogh's intense relationship with his fellow artist and his search for a "modern" portrait. He depicts himself with a shaven head, resembling a Buddhist monk, aiming for a look of spiritual devotion and simplicity. The background is a flat, intense green, providing a striking contrast to his determined, somewhat anxious expression. Van Gogh used strong outlines and simplified forms, influenced by Japanese prints and cloisonnism, to convey his inner state. This portrait is a profound exploration of identity and artistic purpose, offering a raw and unflinching look into the mind of the artist during a crucial period.
Collection: Harvard Art Museums. 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.