Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Worth a Thousand Words: Self Portrait on the Way to Work

Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on the Road to Tarascon, 1888, reportedly destroyed during World War II
Of the some 30 self-portraits by Van Gogh, The Painter on the Road to Tarascon, created in Arles during the summer of 1888, is the most unique. Instead of the usual studio portrait, Vincent depicts himself striding across the hot landscape of southern France, overloaded with the tools of his artistry. He also, as he informs his sister in the excerpt above, is minus his beard, although because of the poor quality of the reproduction below, you might not be able to detect that detail. Look, too, at the distinctive shadow that seems to be following Vincent as he pursues his creative mission.
I really enjoy the way that Arts Everyday Living blog features paintings under themes I'd never have thought of. Last week's look at paintings that have been destroyed or that have come back from the grave (so to speak) was fascinating. And the commentary, as you can see above, does more than just give bald facts. It gives context, mood, and personality to each artist and painting.

The snippet I've shared is just a bit of what the fascinating look at lost art. Do go see for yourself.

1 comment:

  1. What a loss! - it's so much like a Japanese wood cut

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