Self-portrait

Self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh, painted in 1887, belongs to a crucial period of intense artistic experimentation while the artist lived in Paris. This oil paint work was executed directly onto cardboard, a support Gogh frequently utilized for studies and self-representations, allowing for rapid execution and an absorbent surface. The use of cardboard often indicates the intensity and urgency with which the artist pursued his exploration of color and light during this transformative year.

The painting is characterized by the short, directional brushstrokes typical of Neo-Impressionism, reflecting the influence of artists like Seurat and Signac, whom Gogh encountered in France. He employs a vibrant palette, contrasting primary and complementary colors to achieve luminosity, a hallmark of his evolving style during the late 1880s. Unlike many of his later, swirling self-portraits, this piece shows a carefully structured, yet intense, application of paint that defines the contours of his face and clothing, capturing his focused gaze.

This specific self-portrait is significant as it documents the developing technical vocabulary that would define Gogh’s mature style, bridging the gap between his earlier Dutch work and his subsequent Arles period. The work is held within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing to their important holdings of late nineteenth-century art. Though not yet in the public domain, high-quality prints reflecting the vibrancy of Gogh's color usage are frequently produced, ensuring the accessibility of this vital piece of modern art history.