Self-Portrait 1889 by Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter but the most of his time near Paris and its countryside. His self portrait circa 1889 offers an insightful glimpse into the artist's mind.  The swirling background, burnt orange beard, and the use of blue for the background and foreground color (his suit) are the major elements expressing the artist's opinion of his mind.  One could interpret the swirling background as confused energy or uncontrollable urges.  The orange represents the realistic color of his beard and is the only other color used besides the blue.  The blue could be an expression of the artist's cool, and relaxed side of his personality  while the orange could express an often occuring rage. But, maybe not.  Nice painting.  It can be found at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Holland.