Self Portrait 1887 by Vincent van Gogh 2.5 oz Silver Coin

2.5 oz 999 Fine Silver Coin – Republique du Tchad 2024 – 10000 Francs CFA

Vincent van Gogh’s “Self Portrait” from 1887 stands as a symbolic representation of the artist’s internal struggles, identity, and evolving style during a pivotal moment in his life. Painted while living in Paris, this self-portrait encapsulates van Gogh’s earlier artistic style and technical development that would influence his artistic journey.

In 1886, van Gogh moved to Paris to join his brother Theo, who was working as an art dealer. This crucial transition exposed van Gogh to the vibrant art scene of the time, including Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism, which deeply influenced his eventual technique. During this period, he experimented with bold colours and dynamic brushwork, as exemplified in this experimentation painting.

The expressive and intense direct gaze of the artist in the self-portrait conveys confidence and insecurity. This conflicting paradox reflects the complexities of van Gogh’s personality, his artistic ambition, and his yearning for connection. Furthermore, the complementary hues used in the painting can be interpreted as a manifestation of his emotional turmoil, where the interplay of colours reveals his joy in creation while suffering in his personal life.

The painting is a testament to van Gogh’s resilience, where his artistic ambition intertwines with personal struggle. The communication of his feelings makes this piece crucial in understanding both his creations and the broader context of 19th-century art. The work remains an enduring symbol of the profound connection between art and the artist’s psyche, resonating with audiences well beyond its time.

On a canvas of 165 x 125mm, a new minting technique called “Tri-Metal ” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 750g of Zinc as a center layer and 120g of copper as a base with a top layer of 2.5 oz of 999 fine Silver, resulting in a high relief. This is a limited edition of 399 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.