Self-Portrait
Vincent van Gogh, 1887
About this artwork
Vincent van Gogh's *Self-Portrait* (1887) invites visitors into the artist's introspective world during his transformative Paris years. Created when Van Gogh was experimenting with urban influences and brighter palettes, this work captures his shift toward Post-Impressionism, marked by expressive brushwork and emotional intensity. Lacking funds for professional models, Van Gogh frequently turned to self-portraits—over 30 in total—making this a poignant example of his resourceful ingenuity. Painted in oil on an artist's board and mounted on a cradled panel for durability, the compact 41 × 32.5 cm canvas emphasizes intimacy and portability, ideal for Van Gogh's peripatetic life. The modest medium allowed bold, direct application of color and texture, hallmarks of his emerging style that rejected academic polish in favor of raw vitality. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of Europe, this classification as "oil on board" underscores its technical innovation. It offers a window into Van Gogh's psyche on the cusp of his Arles period, reminding us of his enduring legacy as a pioneer of modern expression.