Dr. Paul Gachet 1890

Vincent van Gogh painted this portrait of Dr. Paul Gachet in 1890, using oil on canvas. Van Gogh’s painting captures Gachet, a physician and art collector, in a state of melancholy, reflecting the artist's own struggles with mental health. The vibrant colors and swirling brushstrokes create a sense of emotional turmoil, characteristic of the post-impressionist movement of the late 19th century in France. Consider the social context: the late 19th century saw increased medical understanding of mental health, yet societal attitudes often stigmatized those who suffered. Van Gogh's choice of subject reflects an interest in the human condition, while the portrait challenges conventional representations of doctors as figures of authority. Art historians might explore medical literature from the period and biographical accounts of both artist and doctor. The social and institutional contexts in which art is made shape its meaning and impact.