The artwork entitled “Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear” was created by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh in 1889, during his time in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. This oil on canvas piece, which is a pertinent example of Post-Impressionism, measures 60.5 by 50 centimeters. It falls under the genre of self-portraits and is currently housed at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK.
The artwork depicts Vincent van Gogh himself, rendered with his signature vivid brushstrokes and intense color palette. His face is somber, with a bandage covering his injured ear, indicative of a turbulent period in his life. Van Gogh wears a heavy green coat and a fur-lined hat, emphasizing the coldness of the season. He is portrayed smoking a pipe, with swirls of smoke arising in the background. The striking use of color, particularly the stark reds and oranges contrasted against the muted greens, highlights the emotional and psychological depth of the piece. This self-portrait not only serves as a personal documentation of Van Gogh’s physical state but also captures the emotional intensity and self-reflection inherent in his later works.
