Van Gogh's Self Portraits in Paris

In February 1886, Van Gogh arrived in Paris, where his brother Theo lived. He sent a note on arrival: "My dear Theo, don't be angry that I've come so suddenly."

Theo was at work when the note arrived. Vincent wrote "I will be at the Salon Carré from noon, or earlier if you wish. Come as quickly as you can."

Theo had been sending Vincent money for years. Now his brother had shown up unannounced, leaving unpaid debts behind him in Antwerp.

Theo had been writing to Vincent for months about Paris: the Impressionists there were painting with bright colours and small brushstrokes. Vincent had to come and see.

In Paris he made 27 self-portraits, including this one. Why did he paint himself so many times?

He had no money for models. The self-portraits were exercises in the new Impressionist style he was learning. His cheapest model was himself. He painted on cardboard.

One of those portraits is now hanging in the Rijksmuseum. How did it get here?

Van Gogh gave the portrait to Andries Bonger, a friend who also lived in Paris at the time, and who later became Theo's brother-in-law. From the Bonger family, it was donated to the Rijksmuseum.

Today, it hangs on our wall. Have you seen it in person?