“Self-Portrait with Gray Felt Hat” is an oil-on-canvas artwork created by Vincent van Gogh in 1887 during his time in Paris, France. It belongs to the art movements of Post-Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism and represents the genre of self-portraiture. The artwork is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork presents a nuanced depiction of Van Gogh himself, donning a gray felt hat that casts a shadow on his face. The background is rendered in a muted, bluish hue, creating a subdued yet textured backdrop that allows the figure of Van Gogh to stand out. His intense gaze and reddish beard are prominent features, capturing a sense of introspection and intensity. The artist’s use of bold brushstrokes and a limited color palette emphasizes the emotive and textured quality of the composition, characteristic of his late-period style. The attire, outlined with perceptible strokes of blue, complements the gray hat, providing contrast against the ochres and reds of the face and beard. Through this self-portrait, Van Gogh communicates his inner psyche and artistic vigor, making it a profound piece within his oeuvre.
