Van Gogh. Self-Portraits

The myth of Van Gogh today is linked to his extraordinary life and stunning paintings. Van Gogh. Self-Portraits reconsiders this aspect of his production and explores the power and emotion of these highly personal paintings. The exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery features paintings from both the Parisian and Provençal periods and brings together half of Van Gogh's thirty-five known self-portraits to examine the ways the artist approached this particular subject-matter. It also showcases a group of major masterpieces brought together from international collections, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Muse d'Orsay in Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

Van Gogh's legacy is intertwined with his extraordinary life and his stunning paintings. His biography has often shaped the interpretation of his self-portraits, which have been both misunderstood and celebrated. To address this issue, Van Gogh. Self-Portraits offers a fresh perspective on this aspect of his production, placing his self-representation within the broader context of his oeuvre. The exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery, accompanied by this volume, presents a comprehensive exploration of Van Gogh's self-portraits, spanning from his time in Paris to his Provençal period. It brings together half of his thirty-five known self-portraits, allowing viewers to examine the artist's approach to this particular subject matter.

On a practical level, painting himself provided Van Gogh with a cost-effective and patient model, enabling him to experiment with different styles and techniques. Moreover, self-portraiture served as a means for him to establish his own identity and present himself to the world. The evolution of Van Gogh's self-representation over the short years of his artistic activity can be seen as a microcosm of his development as a painter.

In addition to the world-famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear in The Courtauld's collection, the exhibition showcases a group of major masterpieces, including Self-Portrait with Pipe, Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace, and Self-Portrait with Folded Hands. These paintings provide a deeper understanding of Van Gogh's self-reflection, his struggles, and his artistic journey.

Through the lens of Van Gogh. Self-Portraits, we gain a fresh appreciation for the power and profound emotion conveyed in these highly personal paintings. They serve as a testament to Van Gogh's artistic brilliance and his enduring influence on the world of art.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 294 x 677 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645205