Research Paper On Vincent Van Gogh

Going to The Art Institute of Chicago on Thursday, I hoped that inspiration would strike- perhaps a feature of the architecture, or an old sculpture would leap out at me. Yet, to my surprise, inspiration struck when I wasn’t expecting it. While trying desperately to find a restroom (the main lobby one being closed) I stumbled into the impressionist wing. After finally obtaining peace from my mad searching, I started to walk back out, perhaps to the ancient Japanese art section, when Vincent Van Gogh’s 1887 self-portrait caught my eye and held me steadfast and awestruck in front of it. I stood there mesmerized at this hypnotic visage for at least five minutes before I could do anything. People were starting to grumble, having to walk around

According to The Art Institute, this painting is Van Gogh’s second self portrait he ever made, its style that of “The Paris avant garde”, later to be known as the “Post impressionists”. Although some might think that Van Gogh’s 1887 self portrait is just an exercise in technique, with Van Gogh merely painting his own face for practice, I feel that this portrait, upon further inspection and introspection, reveals the hidden emotions of Van Gogh- his sorrows, pain, fear, and

Josh Rewolt, a twenty five year old man, explained that “The colors are pretty, and I like the brush strokes, but it doesn’t do much more for me beyond that. I think he was just painting himself for practice or something. I just like paintings with more going in them… I think this one is cool, but it doesn’t strike me as that interesting.” Although Josh is entitled to his opinion, I personally would disagree with him, merely on the objection that if he instead took a few moments to be patient with the painting, it would reveal an entire world. Alas, I didn’t have the energy to argue with him in the moment. Josh was not entirely wrong though. Van Gogh’s use of color was perhaps one of his most defining characteristics. The Art Institute of Chicago’s website states that “This self-portrait exhibits van Gogh’s belief that form and meaning can be conveyed through juxtaposing bright colors… Although using the traditional portrait bust format, this intense, introspective image conveys a thoroughly modern spirit; it is Van Gogh’s most methodical application of the Neo-Impressionist style; utilizing techniques practiced by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac. Van Gogh’s use of color in this self-portrait reflects his keen awareness of the Neo-Impressionist practice of juxtaposing complementary colors in order to create a more vibrant effect.” (AIC Interpretive Rescource, 1) Indeed, the colors of the portrait jumped out