Code-cracking

1.  If you placed your body in the same position as van Gogh’s you’d be sitting up straight. The fact that he’s not slumping or visibly moving in any direction may tell you that he wants you to focus on him. 

2.  Van Gogh’s looking away from you, the viewer. How do you feel when someone won’t look you in the eye? Why might Vincent not want to look you in the eye? Could it be he feels ashamed?

3.  If you were to see someone with this expression, you’d probably think they’re sad, serious or grieving. What might that tell you about what he feels about having cut off part of his ear?

4.  There’s a lot of blue in this painting---his jacket, cap and the window area behind. If we think about his expression, might Vincent be having “the blues?”

Now look at another of his self-portrait paintings. Notice that you can have the same subject matter—a self-portrait—but get very different ideas from it. Remember CONTENT (ideas, meanings and messages) is NOT the same as SUBJECT MATTER.

One last answer:  Van Gogh was painting himself using a mirror, so everything’s reversed.  Try it yourself.

PREVIOUS
CK Roemer © 2006 • Privacy Policy
[1][2][3][4]