An artist’s mark can be found on most pieces… it being a name, initials, and/or some form of stamp or mark… Linking the creation to the creator… Van Gogh is no exception to this rule... His name can be found on many of his pieces yet I feel a more predominant mark has been hidden in plain sight… Van Gogh’s self-portrait (1889 – Blue) clearly shows the fatigued and sickly look in his eyes… eyes that are as identical to Portrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier – 1888).
Van Gogh’s subjects were used many times and in many variations of ways and angles. Portrait of a Peasant is such a piece... The shape and look of the eyes vary dramatically. But the almost carbon copy of the shape, look, and sadness from Portrait of a Peasant and Van Gogh’s self-portrait can't just be coincidence. I believe that Van Gogh either drew it unintentionally and as sad as it might seem unconsciously. Both of which I feel were a clear cry for help by a man who struggled with what obviously depression.
Van Gogh’s portrait of his mother also has similar eyes. Leonardo da Vinci and William Shakespear both said, “eyes are the window to the soul” and in Van Gogh’s case one that was filled with torment, loneliness, and a need for belonging.
Far be it from me to criticize anyone who does not agree with my synopsis of such things nor do I consider myself an expert in such matters, but the lightbulb in my head flickers quite often when looking over Vincent’s paintings.
The truth might never come to light and my opinion on the matter might be nothing more than one trying to make sense of the senseless. Trying in the most obvious way coping with the idea that a talent such as this was cut short in what possibly was the incline of his artistic career.