Portrait of Dr. Gachet
Portrait of Dr. Gachet is an evocative portrayal of Van Gogh’s friend and physician, Dr. Paul Gachet, who cared for the artist in his final months. With deep blue eyes and a melancholic expression, Dr. Gachet is seated at a table, resting his head on his hand—a pose that reflects both the doctor’s compassion and the artist’s own despair. The painting captures the connection between artist and subject, making it one of Van Gogh’s most emotionally resonant works, expressing vulnerability and empathy in each brushstroke.
1890
About the Artwork
In 1890, after leaving the asylum in Saint-Rémy, Van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, where he was under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, a homeopathic doctor and art enthusiast who had treated other artists. Their connection was instant, with Van Gogh seeing Dr. Gachet as both a kindred spirit and a friend. This portrait was meant to be a tribute to the doctor who showed him understanding and kindness in a time of great mental struggle
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Did You Know
Did you know that Van Gogh created two versions of Portrait of Dr. Gachet? Both are nearly identical but with subtle differences in colors and details, each giving its own unique feel. Talk about a labor of love!
This portrait holds the record for one of the highest prices ever paid for a Van Gogh at auction! It was sold in 1990 for a whopping $82.5 million—proof of its profound impact and value in the art world!
Here’s something fascinating: Dr. Gachet himself was an amateur artist and had quite the art collection, which included some of Van Gogh’s works! He even dabbled in printmaking, making their friendship all the more unique and connected.
