An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Self-portrait, Vincent van Gogh, 1887h 42cm × w 34cm × d 8cm
Vincent van Gogh
cardboard
Once upon a time, in the vibrant year of 1886, there lived a man named Vincent. A restless spirit, he was pulled by the magnetic charm of Paris after listening to his brother Theo's fervent talks about a bold new world of colors in French art. The excitement painted a vivid picture in Vincent's mind, igniting a yearning to be part of this creative revolution.
So, he packed his belongings, bidding farewell to the familiar, and set forth to the city of lights, where inspiration flowed like the Seine River, winding through cobbled streets and bustling cafés.
Immersed in the pulsating life of Paris, Vincent plunged headfirst into this new artistic language. But, as he often did, he turned the lens inward. Using the mirror as his canvas, he painted a series of self-portraits, not just to capture his likeness but to explore the very essence of his being in this colorful new light.
With loose, expressive brushstrokes, he transformed himself into a debonair Parisian, his palette bursting with striking colors that seemed to dance across the canvas. Each stroke was heavy with intention, each hue a whispered secret of his soul—a blend of longing, ambition, and the pursuit of belonging.
Through these creations, Vincent didn’t just replicate a style; he crafted a narrative, a vivid testament to a journey that was as much about inner discovery as outward expression. The world may not have understood him yet, but in those moments of creation, he was undeniably alive, breathing in the spirit of Paris, and blending his essence with the vibrant hues that surrounded him.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.