Self-Portrait 1887

This is a self-portrait made by Vincent van Gogh, a Dutch post-impressionist painter, whose work, notable for its beauty, emotion, and color, highly influenced 20th-century art. Van Gogh was a prolific self-portraitist during his decade as an artist. Looking at this painting, we are confronted with the artist's intense gaze and the vibrant energy of his brushstrokes. His direct stare suggests a confrontation, not just with the artist himself, but also with the viewer. We can ponder on Van Gogh's inner turmoil. His own experience of mental health struggles and social isolation resonates through his art. He once said, "It is true that one can smother one's fire for a time, but it is sure to break out again." This encapsulates the emotional intensity that's palpable in his self-portrait. Van Gogh uses the canvas to communicate the complexity of human emotion and self-perception.