Vincent Van Gogh painted numerous self portraits in his short but productive career. This is -- according to the sign next to it -- an unfinished self portrait painted in Paris, in the period when Van Gogh was moving from his earlier dark, earthy and rough Dutch style to an emerging and exuberant Impressionist style.Looked at up close, the painting looks almost careless to me. See the whitish blob in the left eye, the pinkish stroke that protrudes too far into his mustache, and some blue blobs in the cheek and temple.
But, stepping back, it works just fine, don't you think?
To anticipate questions, the Wadsworth permits its owned works to be photographed handheld and without flash.
It's good to see the close up of this self portrait Jack ... and as you say, from a distance the blobs and discrepancies blend in - to portray the finished portrait as the artist intended.
ReplyDeleteHow sad Vincent's work was never appreciated at the time it mattered to him.
Beautifully captured.
I like the closeup as well. Great art and photography.
ReplyDeleteHow precious! Thanks so much for this Van Goh inspiration, a fabulous start for the week! :)
ReplyDeletehugs
Léia
The secret to oil painting is suggestions. The mind and eyes will fill-in the details.
ReplyDeleteI'm always in awe when watching artists at work, they dib and dab and it doesn't seem to make much sense, until as you say, you step back and look from afar. Did you ever see Rolf Harris paint, he literally almost throws the paint at the canvas, yet it always comes out brilliantly, Google him Jack he's a WA artist, fantastic work.
ReplyDeleteGreat painting, it is good they allow photographies. By the way, Vincent van Gogh was a post-Impressionist.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see more of this series. I enjoy seeing different artists works. Your close up here is really good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to look at a painting. It makes you think about how an artist is able to put together an image.
ReplyDeleteI think he looked like Sting!
ReplyDeleteI like to do this too! But how lucky to be allowed to take pics! Yesterday, I visited a Henri Matisse's exhibit, and there were signs everywhere promissing jail and money to pay if ever you'd try to take a picture!
ReplyDeleteGreat capture, Jack! I love the two views! I tend to think that we all have something in common with this painting -- we tend to look a tad better from at least a little distance than we do "up close and personal"!! Well, of course, that's surely true in my case the older I get!! Wonderful post for the day as always! Hope you have a good day!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I guess that's what makes him a talented artist - they see things that the rest of us don't!
ReplyDeleteNot a happy man. But he reached out to the world through his art.
ReplyDeleteI (h)ear you! In fact, I stepped back to get a closer look, as you suggested, bumped into a chair and went head-over-heels. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteJust kidding! I wonder where van gogh goes on vacation when he goeth?
The detail in these works never ceases to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteI love him! It's amazing self portrait, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYes, Jack, isn't it amazing?!
ReplyDeleteStunning, and one of my favorite artists. When I was in Arles his presence could be felt in the cafés, the streets, the sunflower fields.... Must go back!
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
Van Gogh isn't my favourite but I still think that even close up, especially close up there is something incredible here. So revolutionary at the time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful self portrait! Love Van Gogh!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing;o)
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Have a fabulous weekend****
I am a big fan of the impressionist. I attend an exhibit of Van Gogh in LA back in the late 1990's. I look forward to this week's posts.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about close-up versus stepping back. I've never been a big Van Gogh fan...but, this is very nice to see in your art museum.
ReplyDeleteTerrific lesson in painting. He sure looks like a contemporary man in this self-portrait.
ReplyDeleteI like that the museums allow photography of their main collections. Same here at LACMA, Getty and Norton Simon. My favorite portait is of Rembrant's son at the Norton Simon. I'll have to post it some day soon.
Seeing this up close gave me a chill. What a wonderful treat you've shared Jack. I 'm always reminded of the man in the blue coat , well that is what we called him, by Van Gogh hanging in the Rodin in Paris. My Eva at age 5 was wearing a dark blue coat, went up to it, stood beneath and said, "Mumsie, take my picture." A treasure that Melissa and I will never forget.
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That is so beautiful. There is a large exhibit coming to the Denver Art museum of Van Gogh's work. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteA tortured genius. Interesting man, this Van Gogh! Interesting post, too, Jack!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites. Great job Jack!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the whitish blob will affect the value of something like this.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post - I think there is supposed to be an optimum viewing distance for most artworks - but I agree it's fascinating to get up close and personal and look at the detail of the work. I've never been in a gallery where they let you take photos, I'm envious.
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