Van Gogh Self Portrait

This is a self portrait painting by Vincent Vangogh made in 1889. The media used in this painting is oil on canvas. It was believed that on December 23 1888, Vangogh visited a local brothel after a confrontation with his friend Paul Gaugin. At the brothel he cut off his ear, wrapped it in newspaper and handed it to a prostitute named Rachel to keep safe. However it is also believed that Paul Gaugin and Vangogh had a confrontation and Paul cut his ear off with a sword. The artist incorporates great detail in the painting and shadowing which makes the painting come to life. I also found it interesting how the artist uses one color (green) but different shades throughout the painting. I chose this painting because of the story behind it.