His work
at Paris

Vincent van Gogh's artistic journey in Paris marked a significant period of his life and career. From 1886 to 1888, he resided in the bustling French capital, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene and found inspiration in the city's atmosphere and culture. During his time in Paris, Van Gogh's style underwent a remarkable transformation. He became exposed to a diverse range of artistic influences, including Impressionism, Pointillism, and Japanese woodblock prints, which had a profound impact on his work. He embraced brighter color palettes and experimented with different brushwork techniques, striving to capture the fleeting essence of his subjects. Van Gogh's fascination with the urban environment led him to create striking cityscapes and portrayals of Parisian life. He depicted bustling boulevards, lively cafes, and the scenic allure of the city's parks. His paintings like "Café Terrace at Night" and "The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles" showcase his ability to infuse everyday scenes with an emotional depth and intensity. Furthermore, Van Gogh's time in Paris exposed him to the works of prominent artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. He engaged in artistic exchanges and collaborations, which further fueled his creative spirit and pushed him to explore new artistic avenues. However, despite his exposure to the Parisian art scene, Van Gogh faced personal challenges and struggles with mental health during this period. He grappled with feelings of isolation and disillusionment, which found expression in some of his more somber works. Nonetheless, the Parisian years were instrumental in Van Gogh's artistic development. The city served as a catalyst for his artistic exploration and laid the foundation for the distinctive style that would later define his career. His time in Paris not only left an indelible mark on his own art but also influenced and inspired generations of artists to come. In conclusion, Van Gogh's sojourn in Paris was a pivotal chapter in his artistic journey. The city provided him with fertile ground for growth and experimentation, leading to the creation of iconic works that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Japonaiserie: The Courtesan, after Keisai Eisen

1887, oil onn canvas. At Van Gogh MUseum, Amsterdam. Japonaiserie was thew term van Gogh used to express the influence of Japanese art on his work. Japanese art is opften seen as background of some of his paintings.

drawing of a naked lady, seen from the back.

Standing Female Nude Seen from the Back

March- May 1886, pencil on paper. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Was left by the artist in the apartment he shared with his brother Theo.

oil painting of a windmill, is made of wood, blue color, a few trees around and in the background the sky has some clouds.

Le Moulin de la Galette.

1886, oil on canvas. At a private collection. THere is several paintings with this name, mostly because he painted it a lot and it was near his apartment. .

painting of two couples walking in the park, the grass is green, green trees, the sky is blue.

Couples in the Voyer d'Argenson Park at Asnières

1887, oil on canvas. At the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

view of the river Seine, with a bridge an a train crossing over it.

Bridges across the Seine at Asnières

1887, oil on canvas. Foundation E.G. Bührle, Zürich.

portrait of a man, he has a white beard, using a green hat and a blue suit. in the background is some japanese art.

Portrait of Père Tanguy

1887, oil on canvas. At a private collection. One of three paintings that van Gogh did during his time in Paris, they show his evolution during this time, being the fist the most somber. the second in troduces the japanese art in tha background. The final one (this one) is the most advanced in style, skill and color integrates Japanese, Impressionist, and other influences on the Parisian artist community

painting of a building, is white, three stores. we are looking at the building from the left side. There is trees in the front and in the back of it. And people walking down the street.

The Rispal Restaurant at Asnières

1887, oil on canvas. At Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City.

Self portrait of vincen van gogh, is an oil painting. The colors are dark, he has short red hair, a beard and mustache, an a pipe on his mouth.

Self-Portrait with Pipe

1886, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Self portrait of vincent van gogh, the colors are light, the background seems unfinished, the canvas is visible. His face is complete, he has red hair, a a beard and mustache. He is wearing a brown suit. The strokes of paint in the background are in blue tones.

Self-portarit

1887, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh, the background is maroon, he is wearing a brown felt hat, a mustache and a beard. and a dark suit.

Self-Portrait with Dark Felt Hat

1886, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Self-portrait

1887, oil on canvas. At the Art Institute of Chicago, USA.

Self-Portrait as a Painter

1888, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh MUseum, Amsterdam.

oil painting, is showing a two stores restaurant it has some ivy aound the facade and a sign that says Restaurant de la sirene.

Restaurant de la Sirène at Asnières

1887, oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Paris.

oiul painting of the view from a window. The sky is blue, an there are buildings around. Everything in blue tones.

View of Paris from Vincent's Room in the Rue Lepic

1887, oil on cardboard. At a private collection.

oil painting, the colors are very bright, shows a woman in a light blue-white dress, and a yellow bonnet cap. she is walking by a garden, green grass, there are trees in the back.

A Woman Walking in a Garden

1887, oil on canvas. At a private collection.

So... maybe you are wondering... Why so many self-portraits?

If we visit all the work of van Gogh we'll find numerous self-portraits of the painter, and many artists of period did the same, and there is a bunch hypothesis of why.

Affording a model for the paintings was often difficult for van Gogh, so he used himself as a subject.
Self-exploration and self-expression: Van Gogh's self-portraits allowed him to explore his own emotions, identity, and personal struggles. Through these works, he could convey his inner turmoil, loneliness, and the intensity of his experiences.
Practice and experimentation: Self-portraits served as a means for Van Gogh to practice and refine his artistic skills. By using himself as a subject, he could experiment with various techniques, brushwork, color combinations, and compositions.
Financial constraints: Van Gogh often faced financial difficulties throughout his life. Creating self-portraits provided him with an opportunity to produce marketable artworks that could be sold to collectors or used as gifts for friends and family.
Symbolism and introspection: Van Gogh's self-portraits were infused with symbolic elements and conveyed deeper meanings. Through his use of color, brushwork, and symbolic details, he explored his own psychological state, emotional turmoil, and search for meaning in life.
Documentation and self-representation: Van Gogh's self-portraits allowed him to document his physical appearance over time. They captured his evolving features, including the effects of his mental health struggles and the passage of time.

His work at Paris