Painted during Van Gogh's stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this self-portrait is dominated by swirling blue-green brushstrokes that seem to radiate from the artist's head. Van Gogh gazes directly at the viewer with an expression of determination and fragility. The turbulent background foreshadows the emotional intensity that defines his later works.

Exhibition Venue

National Gallery of Art

Washington, D.C., United States