An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat (obverse: The Potato Peeler)Vincent van Gogh
Dutch, Zundert 1853–1890 Auvers-sur-Oise
1887
16 x 12 1/2 in. (40.6 x 31.8 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Bequest of Miss Adelaide Milton de Groot (1876-1967), 1967
Vincent van Gogh's "Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat" captures a moment of deep reflection. With bold strokes of vibrant yellow for the straw hat and earthy tones in his clothing, Van Gogh reveals not just his appearance but also his emotional state. His piercing blue eyes seem to gaze beyond the canvas, inviting viewers into his inner world.
The background, a swirl of pastel colors, creates a sense of movement, suggesting the chaos he often felt within. The raw texture of his brushwork demonstrates his passion and intensity, elements that are signatures of his style. Each stroke echoes the tumultuous emotions that led him to create, showcasing both his brilliance and struggles.
In this portrait, Van Gogh is not merely presenting himself; he is sharing a piece of his soul. The hat symbolizes his connection to nature and the earthy life of a painter, while his expression conveys a feeling of introspection, as if he is questioning his place in the world. Through this work, we glimpse the heart of an artist grappling with his identity and seeking solace in his craft.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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