Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette, after Vincent Van Gogh, Brushstrokes
2026
This striking work by Brazilian artist Vik Muniz reimagines Vincent van Gogh's iconic 1886 painting 'Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette' through Muniz's signature Brushstrokes series, in which photographic prints are constructed from meticulously arranged painted brushstrokes to recreate canonical art historical images. The result is a densely textured archival inkjet print depicting a golden skull profile against a dark background, simultaneously referencing van Gogh's impasto technique and Muniz's conceptual questioning of representation and reproduction. The work is part of a limited edition of 6 plus 4 artist proofs and is hand signed by the artist via sticker label. This large format 66 by 50 inch edition sits at the top of the available size range and commands a price between $40,000 and $45,000.
- Medium
- Archival inkjet print
- Dimensions
- Signed
- Yes
- Spotted At
- Online
Notes
Two size options available: 66 x 50 in (Editions 1-6 of 6 + 4AP) priced $40,000-$45,000 (selected); and 47 1/2 x 36 in (Editions 1-6 of 6 + 4AP) priced $31,000-$36,000. Signature method: hand-signed by artist via sticker label. Listed as part of a limited edition set.
Collectors of Vik Muniz
Artists in conversation
Sandy Skoglund
American · b. 1946
Skoglund constructs elaborately staged photographic tableaux using unconventional materials and obsessive repetition to create surreal images that are then photographed, mirroring Muniz's process of building images from unexpected substances to be captured and perceived as photography.
Gabriel Orozco
Mexican · b. 1962
Orozco similarly uses everyday and found materials to construct conceptually rich works that question perception and representation, often documenting ephemeral material arrangements through photography in a way that parallels Muniz's material to image transformation.
Thomas Demand
German · b. 1964
Demand meticulously constructs scenes from paper and cardboard before photographing and destroying them, sharing Muniz's core strategy of using an unconventional material construction process to produce a final photographic image that challenges the viewer's understanding of reality and representation.
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