Just a month before his suicide in 1890, Vincent van Gogh expressed to his sister that portraiture was his greatest passion, even more than his other artistic endeavors. His brief yet intense career revolutionized portrait painting, significantly shaping its direction in the twentieth century. This publication accompanies a major touring exhibition, showcasing for the first time van Gogh's significant portraits from various stages of his life, alongside reproductions of many of his key works. The result is an insightful exploration of his artistic evolution, highlighting how he expanded the boundaries of portraiture, culminating in the masterpieces of his final years. Six original essays by prominent art historians delve into crucial aspects of van Gogh's portraits throughout his career. George Keyes contextualizes the paintings within Dutch art, noting the influence of masters like Rembrandt. Lauren Soth examines the early, stark drawings from The Hague. George Shackelford discusses the Parisian works reflecting Impressionist influences. In Arles, van Gogh's productivity peaked, producing powerful portraits of locals and himself, analyzed by Roland Dorn. Judy Sund focuses on portraits created during his mental struggles in the asylum, including the iconic Dr. Gachet and final self-portraits. Joseph Rishel concludes with the impact of van Gogh's work on his contemporaries and later artists. The essays are complemented by a d
