Artist | Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890)

Year | September-October 1887

Medium

Oil on cotton

Dimensions

44.5 × 37.2 cm

Location 📍

Van Gogh Museum →

Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat

Painted in Paris, this self-portrait from the winter of 1887–88 demonstrates Vincent van Gogh’s study and original application of the Pointillists’ technique. He utilized short stripes of paint directed in various ways, forming a halo-like effect where they follow the outline of his head. This work stands as one of his boldest colour experiments, featuring complementary colours applied with long brushstrokes: blue and orange in the background, and red and green in the beard and eyes. Although the red pigment has faded, resulting in purple strokes appearing blue and reducing the contrast with the yellow, the work remains a testament to his experimentation with intensifying colours.