VINCENT IN PARIS
Happy 168th Birthday, Vincent van Gogh! Vincent painted his own reflection some 35 times–more than 25 of these self portraits were done during his 2 years residing in Paris (1886-1888) with his brother Theo. All of the works below were created in 1887, demonstrating the variety of poses and moods of the artist (including a rather debonair looking Vincent).
I’ve included some excerpts from Vincent’s numerous letters throughout his career to accompany these unique images.
Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait with Glass, 1887, oil on canvas, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm themselves at it, and passers-by only see a wisp of smoke.
Vincent van Gogh, letter to brother Theo, July, 1880, Cuesmes, Belgium
Vincent van Gogh, Self Portrait, 1887, oil on cardboard, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
There is but one Paris and however hard living may be here, and if it became worse and harder even–the French air clears up the brain and does good–a world of good.
Vincent van Gogh, letter to Horace M. Livens, August/October, 1886, Paris, France
Vincent van Gogh, Self Portrait, 1887, oil on canvas, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
I wish they would take me as I am.
Vincent van Gogh, letter to brother Theo, April 1882, The Hague, Netherlands
Vincent van Gogh, Self Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, 1887, oil on canvas, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
There is safety in the midst of danger. What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything.
Vincent van Gogh, letter to brother Theo, December 29, 1881, The Hague, Netherlands
