Vincent Van Gogh, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889, Oil on Canvas
1. Many artists like to idealize themselves, as their self-portraits will be how they are remembered. Why would Van Gogh highlight his weakness? Remember to IDENTIFY his weakness in your answer.
Van Gogh highlighted his mental instability and the misery of his life in his self-portrait as he did not want to hide anything from his viewers, and wanted them to understand his life and see him and as who he truly was. Van Gogh chose to portray his weakness in his self-portrait because he wanted people to remember him as an imperfect human with weaknesses and flaws.
2. What is the mood, or feeling, of this work of art? Please use the painting, as well as historical knowledge to justify your answer.
Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait evokes a sad and somber but calm feeling in the viewers. Van Gogh applied mainly cool colours (especially cool greens) throughout the self portrait, and loose expressive brushstrokes, which create a calming effect in the viewers. He painted himself with a somber facial expression and a strong intensity in his eyes, focusing intently outward, with some degree of unspoken emotion.
No comments:
Post a Comment