Gaugin vs van Gogh

The reading provided an interesting look at two interesting artists. Moslty when we learn about artists or anyone "famous" we see the side of them that they prepare for the public. The difference between the rigid speech with which they explain their own work to the public and the ongoing conversation between the two friends within their letters is quite noteworthy. The images that the two men created are somewhat similar but both hold their own style. Van Gogh's work is more literal, drawing what he sees, with his own distinct vision of skewed perspective, while Gauguin's work has more of interprative style. Both use very broad brush strokes, and lack a sense of proportion (though, as it seems, it is meant to be that way.) They seem to pull from one another's work. I personally prefer van Gogh, and his use of texture in his work, but I see the merit of Gauguin's style and content. My favorite comparison between the two artists is their self portraits.

I feel as though both images show how each artist feels about themselves, and about their work. Van Gogh's portrait shows himself at his easel with his work before him, while Gauguin's shows him with his finished work behind him. Van Gogh's portrait (the last of quite a few) features a very bland back ground, with the majority of the color coming from his beard, his blue smock, and his paint palette. Making his profession as painter the main theme, while still including himself. Gauguin's portrait is very colorful, and if you did not know that the work behind him was his own, you would not be able to tell that he was a painter. His background does not convey the sense of modesty that Van Gogh's portrait accomplishes, instead he seems somewhat self assured. An elusive man who acknowledges the presence of the viewer with a coy sideways glance. The way the light is placed puts the focus on his face, and illuminates his painting. The paintings are not very similar though other versions of their self portraits seem to mix better.