Doctor Gachet took care of Vincent van Gogh in Auvers-sûr-Oise, until he died. According to his letters these were a few months in his life where he was quite happy despite of what you may think when you think of his tragic end. Dr Gachet definitely was a positive influence on Vincent.
Van Gogh wrote to his sister Willemien:
"I've done the portrait of M. Gachet with a melancholy expression, which might well seem like a grimace to those who see it... Sad but gentle, yet clear and intelligent, that is how many portraits ought to be done…”
and:
"I have found a true friend in Dr. Gachet, something like another brother, so much do we resemble each other physically and also mentally.”
Unfortunately the original painting is lost. A second version resides in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, but is considered less beautiful.
Our hand-painted replica in oil on canvas found a matching frame. It enhances the blue, brings up the lighter parts and the plant in the painting appears in the frame but not too predominantly. An homage to one a Van Gogh’s best friends.
Frame size: 50 x 45 cm / 19.7 x 17.7 inch
Painting size: 23,8 x 18,8 cm / 9.4 x 7.4 inch