Self-Portrait with Pipe and Glass Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

The painting presents a man in a direct gaze, positioned centrally against a textured background. He is depicted from the chest upwards, his face dominating the composition. A pipe is held between his lips, emitting a wisp of smoke that curls towards the upper left corner. The subject’s expression appears contemplative, perhaps even slightly melancholic; the eyes possess an intensity that suggests introspection.
The artist employed a visible brushstroke throughout the work, contributing to a sense of immediacy and raw emotion. The application is particularly dense around the face, creating a tactile quality to the skin and hair. A dark suit with a patterned waistcoat covers his torso, adorned with a small flower pinned near the lapel – a detail that introduces a touch of unexpected gentleness amidst the otherwise somber palette.
The background is rendered in broad strokes of ochre, brown, and red, creating an agitated visual field that contrasts with the relative stillness of the figure. This backdrop doesnt offer spatial depth but rather serves to emphasize the subject’s presence. A small table or ledge appears at the bottom of the frame, upon which rests a palette smeared with paint and a glass containing a reddish liquid – likely wine.
The signature Vincent 87 is visible in the upper left corner, providing a temporal anchor for the work. The overall effect suggests an exploration of identity and inner state. The pipe, often associated with contemplation and leisure, becomes a symbolic element within this self-representation. The flower, a small burst of color against the dark clothing, might be interpreted as a symbol of hope or resilience. The painting conveys a sense of quiet solitude and a profound engagement with the artist’s own being.