Mrs. Keyfitz's Art Blog

Art Inspiration, Discussion & Appreciation




Self-Portrait by Vincent Van Gogh (1889) What we learned- Van Gogh lived an unhappy life, during which he never married, was separated from his family and never sold a painting. The last years of his life were spent in a mental hospital in which he painted the above self-portrait and the famous Starry Night (1889) which both utilize the same color palette. Van Gogh was among the first two generations of artists to enjoy the freedom that the invention of the camera awarded artists, as artists were no longer the only source for realistic imagery. Discussion Questions- How do the colors and style of line communicate the artist’s feelings? What would Van Gogh’s paintings have been like had he led a happier life? Compare and contrast Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with the Mona Lisa.  Which do you prefer?  Why?

Self-Portrait by Vincent Van Gogh (1889)

What we learned-

  • Van Gogh lived an unhappy life, during which he never married, was separated from his family and never sold a painting.
  • The last years of his life were spent in a mental hospital in which he painted the above self-portrait and the famous Starry Night (1889) which both utilize the same color palette.
  • Van Gogh was among the first two generations of artists to enjoy the freedom that the invention of the camera awarded artists, as artists were no longer the only source for realistic imagery.

Discussion Questions-

  1. How do the colors and style of line communicate the artist’s feelings?
  2. What would Van Gogh’s paintings have been like had he led a happier life?
  3. Compare and contrast Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with the Mona Lisa.  Which do you prefer?  Why?