Description
Vincent Van Gogh – A self-portrait with a bandaged ear
| Year of creation: | 1888 |
| Original size: | 49 x 60 cm |
| Painting style: | Post-impressionism |
| Original technique: | Oil on canvas |
| Located: |
Galleries of the Courtauld Institute of Art, London |
In December 1889, Van Gogh threatened guest painter Gauguin with a blade, then cut off the bottom of his left ear, wrapped it in newspaper and gave it to a prostitute named Rachel at a local brothel, asking her to keep the item carefully guarded. Gauguin immediately left Arles and never returned.
Van Gogh painted two self-portraits after this incident. It is interesting that the expression on the painter’s face is calmer and more peaceful than in the other self-portraits – perhaps the painter found salvation in his portrait. The Japanese stamp on the self-portrait is also interesting. In a letter to his brother Theo, Van Gogh wrote that he envied Japanese painters for their style, which seemed as simple as breathing.
