Self-Portrait with Straw Hat and Pipe 1887

Vincent van Gogh painted this self-portrait with oil on canvas. Looking closely, you can see the thick, textured brushstrokes that define his style, where paint is applied in layers to capture light and form. The straw hat is particularly interesting; straw, a humble material, speaks volumes about Van Gogh's connection to rural life and labor, reminiscent of the hats worn by farmers in the fields. Notice how the texture of the straw is evoked through short, directional strokes, almost as if Van Gogh is mimicking the act of weaving with his brush. This connects the painting to histories of creative practices outside the traditional realm of fine art. The pipe, a common man's tool for relaxation, further grounds the artist in a world of everyday experiences. By choosing these materials and subjects, Van Gogh elevates the ordinary, challenging our notions of what is worthy of artistic representation. This piece reminds us that art is not just about the subject, but about the artist's engagement with materials, labor, and context, blurring the lines between high art and craft.