Van Gogh, Vincent (1853-1890)
Self-Portrait (F 526, JH 1309)
1887
Oil on artist board, mounted to wood panel, 34.9 × 26.7 cm
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
“For want of a better model,” Van Gogh chose to paint his own portrait on many occasions. While in Paris between 1886 and 1888, Van Gogh lightened his palette under the influence of the brilliant colors of the impressionists, but he soon reserved the use of such light colors to express particular moods. Van Gogh‘s stay in Paris was a relatively happy one, and in this painting, created during the summer of 1887, he portrays himself with an almost light-hearted appearance. (DIA)