Vincent van Gogh – Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat (verso: The Potato Peeler) Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The work presents a frontal portrait of a man, rendered with a distinctive impasto technique that dominates the visual field. The subject is positioned centrally within the composition, his gaze directed towards the viewer with an intensity that establishes immediate connection. He wears a straw hat, its texture meticulously built up through short, energetic brushstrokes in shades of yellow and brown, creating a palpable sense of three-dimensionality. This hat casts shadows across his face, emphasizing the contours of his cheekbones and brow.
The man’s facial features are characterized by a ruggedness that speaks to a life lived outdoors. A full beard, painted with similar textural density as the hat, obscures much of his lower face, adding to an impression of stoicism or perhaps introspection. The eyes, though small in relation to the overall composition, possess a piercing quality, conveying both vulnerability and resilience.
The clothing consists of a dark jacket over a lighter shirt; the fabric is rendered with swirling brushstrokes that echo the movement found elsewhere in the painting. This consistent application of texture across all elements unifies the image, preventing any single element from dominating the overall effect. The background is indistinct, composed of muted earth tones which serve to further isolate and highlight the figure.
Beyond a straightforward depiction, the work suggests themes of labor and identity. The straw hat implies an association with agricultural life or manual work, while the self-portrait itself speaks to a desire for self-understanding or perhaps a need to document one’s existence. The intensity of the gaze could be interpreted as a challenge to the viewer, demanding recognition or empathy. The visible brushstrokes and thick application of paint contribute to an overall sense of immediacy and emotional honesty, suggesting a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the subjects inner state.