Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat
1887
Vincent van Gogh painted this intimate self portrait during his transformative Paris period in 1887, a time when his palette dramatically brightened under the influence of the French Impressionists and Pointillists. The work showcases his characteristic short and dynamic brushwork applied to his own likeness wearing a casual straw hat and blue jacket, conveying both psychological depth and artistic vitality. For collectors, this piece represents one of the most sought after subjects in Western art history, as Van Gogh produced over 35 self portraits and this particular series remains among the most recognizable and valuable bodies of work ever created.
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
Artists in conversation
Paul Gauguin
French · b. 1848
Gauguin painted expressive self portraits during the same Paris period alongside Van Gogh, sharing bold color choices and psychologically intense figurative brushwork that directly parallels this straw hat self portrait in mood and technique.
Émile Bernard
French · b. 1868
Bernard was a close contemporary who painted Post Impressionist self portraits and portraits with similarly vibrant palette and expressive paint application, working in direct dialogue with Van Gogh during his transformative Paris years.
Lovis Corinth
German · b. 1858
Corinth produced a prolific series of psychologically penetrating self portraits using dynamic, energetic brushwork and rich oil paint that closely mirrors the expressive impasto technique and raw emotional intensity of this Van Gogh self portrait.
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