It is easy to identify a tormented soul in this face. This is van Gogh after the infamous incident of cutting off his earlobe. The tortured, retired and introspective gaze leaves no doubt as to the state of mind of the portrayed man.
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While van Gogh grieved at his inability to pay for human models, this financial drawback harbored a bright side, prompting him to seek other subjects, mostly in nature. Thus, a series of still lives featuring sunflowers came from under the artist’s brush. Though there are common elements shared between them, each piece carries unique characteristics that set it apart from the rest.
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Sometimes, during family reunions, when everybody is at the table, eating, a sudden moment of silence intrudes and makes itself almost palpable. Only the chewing sounds are heard, and everyone becomes, just for a second, very self-conscious and uncomfortable, — until someone talks again, and the strange sensation is gone. Such a moment is captured in this painting; though, without the uneasiness, as it appears a less festive and tense gathering. In fact, the only one who might feel uncomfortable, is the viewer — the intruder on this rather intimate scene.
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Another classic, probably the best known of Van Gogh’s paintings. It hangs in the Museum of Modern Art, New York. While looking for things to say about it, I tried to avoid the usual psychobabble — but in vain. This piece exudes psychological meanings and evading them would eventually result in a crippled, and even dishonest review. I would like to focus on several details and make some conclusions about” the bigger picture.”
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So many interpretations are available out there, in books and on the web — and mine will be just another one. If you Google “Van Gogh” and you will find plenty of information, including articles. Here’s a link to Britannica article on Vincent van Gogh.
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I’d like to discuss some of my thoughts on this painting, which hangs in the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam — and which I had the pleasure of seeing while visiting this great European city
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