Portrait of Vincent van Gogh - Henri de Toulouse
- Original dimensions
- 45 x 54 cm
- Museum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Year
- 1887
Scene depicted
The painting "Portrait of Vincent van Gogh" is an exploration of the human soul. Representing a brother in art, this painting highlights the depth of emotions and the complexity of the artist. With vibrant features and an intimate perspective, Toulouse-Lautrec manages to capture the essence of Van Gogh, his tormented spirit and his passion for color.
Historical context
This painting , created in 1887 in Paris, takes us to the heart of the late 19th century, a time marked by the rise of the Impressionist movement and the meeting of two giants of painting. The painting, currently exhibited at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, captured in this vibrant place, is a powerful reflection of a time when art was taking on a new dimension, blending light and shadow in bold compositions.
Place in the artist's career
This masterpiece marks a decisive phase in Toulouse-Lautrec's career, showcasing his bold style and innovative approach to human representation. Compared to other of his iconic paintings such as "La Toilette" and "Le Moulin Rouge," this painting reveals a notable evolution in his use of color and forms, integrating elements of Post-Impressionism while still paying homage to tradition.
Anecdote
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec once stated: "One must look into the eyes, that is where everything begins, just like in nature." That morning, as he walked through Montmartre, the face of Vincent van Gogh encountered around a corner, with his intense and melancholic gaze, inspired the artist to capture this unique essence on his canvas . The urgency of human emotion still resonates in this pictorial work .