Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat - Vincent van Gogh

A striking self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh, painted in Paris in 1887, featuring his signature rhythmic brushwork and bold use of complementary colours.

Painted during his stay in Paris, this self-portrait captures Vincent van Gogh at a period of artistic transition. The work displays his experimentation with colour theory and the application of paint, influenced by his exposure to the Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist circles in the city. The artist employs short, rhythmic brushstrokes that follow the contours of his face and hat, creating a sense of movement across the canvas surface. The palette is dominated by the contrast between the bright yellow of the straw hat and the cooler, muted tones of his blue jacket and the background. This juxtaposition demonstrates his interest in complementary colours, a technique he refined throughout his career. The background is composed of small, dashed marks that provide a textured surface, drawing attention to the subject while maintaining a flattened, decorative quality. This painting is notable for its double-sided nature. The reverse side features an earlier work, 'The Potato Peeler', which reflects his darker, more sombre Dutch period. The presence of both works on a single canvas offers a clear view of his stylistic shift from the earthy, muted tones of his early career to the brighter, more expressive approach he adopted in France. The portrait is a direct, unvarnished study of the artist, showing his gaze directed toward the viewer with a sense of intensity. The composition focuses on the head and shoulders, allowing the texture of the paint and the choice of colour to carry the emotional weight of the piece. It remains a primary example of his self-analytical approach to portraiture during the late 1880s.