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Vincent van Gogh

 

Vincent van Gogh, Self Portrait, 1889

CONTEXT CLUES:

Vincent van Gogh wrote a letter to his brother Theo about this painting. He said, "You will need to study [the picture] for a time. I hope you will notice that my facial expressions have become much calmer, although my eyes have the same insecure look as before, or so it appears to me."

Van Gogh is referencing his struggle with mental illness. Shortly before painting this portrait, he had cut off part of his own ear and then voluntarily (meaning: by choice) went to live at a mental hospital for about a year. He painted this self-portrait while staying at the hospital.

What do you see in Van Gogh's self-portrait? Does it feel calm to you? Or do you agree with Van Gogh that he still looks anxious and insecure?

More self-portraits by Van Gogh:














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