Portrait of Dr. Gachet

The Portrait of Dr. Gachet is a profound work created by Vincent van Gogh Dutch, 1853-1890 in 1890, during the final months of his life spent in Auvers-sur-Oise. This piece is particularly significant as it is one of only three known prints created by the artist, a rare departure from the expressive oil painting for which the Post-Impressionist master is internationally renowned. This impression, executed as an etching in black ink on tan wove paper, showcases Van Gogh’s ability to translate the emotional intensity of his subjects into a linear, graphic format.

The subject is Dr. Paul Gachet, the homeopathic physician who cared for Van Gogh and became a close friend and sitter during his productive yet turbulent final period. Van Gogh created the etched portrait shortly after arriving in Auvers-sur-Oise from the asylum in Saint-Rémy. While the famous oil portraits depict Gachet against vibrant backgrounds with swirling brushwork, this printed version emphasizes the doctor’s melancholic intensity through sharp, nervous lines. These lines, characteristic of the etching process, capture the sitter's burdened expression and thoughtful gaze, echoing the themes of loneliness and sensitivity that permeated Van Gogh’s work from the Netherlands.

The highly collectible prints that resulted from this rare exploration into printmaking demonstrate Van Gogh’s technical versatility and his desire to capture the essence of his sitters regardless of medium. This seminal example of the artist’s graphic work is preserved within the esteemed collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering unique insight into the final creative output of 1890.