Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Vincent van Gogh, oil, 1889
Untitled, by Vincent van Gogh, oil, 1889

Untitled is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled oil on canvas painting, created by Vincent van Gogh in 1889, is a portrait of a bearded man in a distinctive uniform, characterized by expressive brushwork and a vibrant, textured appearance.

Subject & Meaning

The subject wears a blue uniform and hat with 'POSTES' insignia, identifying him as a postal worker. The portrayal conveys warmth and emphasizes the individual's personality through facial expression and expressive eyebrows.

Technique & Style

Thick, visible brushstrokes define the subject's face, while the background features green with superimposed white dots and multicolored swirling lines, exemplifying Van Gogh's post-Impressionist technique.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though its history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

Created in 1889, this work reflects Van Gogh's period of intense productivity and experimentation with color and brushwork, common in his post-Impressionist portraits.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Vincent van Gogh

Artist

Vincent van Gogh

Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.