How many self-portraits did Van Gogh paint?

Vincent van Gogh painted 35 self-portraits. It was not easy for him to find models. Using a mirror he was able to paint himself, which he did no less than 25 times when he lived in Paris.

Today 140 years ago, at beginning of October 1881,

Vincent van Gogh wrote to Theo from Etten in The Netherlands:

"I want to tell you what I’ve done since I last wrote to you. First of all, two large drawings (chalk and some sepia) of Pollard willows.. Then I had a model a couple of times, digger and basket-maker… I count myself very lucky to be able to get models, I’m also searching around for a horse and donkey."

Digger
Etten, October 1881
Charcoal, chalk, watercolour, on paper
62.2 x 46.8 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

You may also like to read:

• Was Van Gogh left-handed?

Van Gogh's 'Digger'

Your daily dose of Van Gogh.

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