Seen in profile, the skull dominates an ocher and green background left largely visible; the blue lines which surround the bone and the very thick light highlights give this study from May 1887 an almost sculptural material.
Hand paintedOil on canvasA verified WebP imagePhoto validation
Skull, F297Vincent van Gogh · May 1887 · Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
May 1887Dating
42.4 × 30.4 cmDimensions of the original
Oil on canvasOriginal technique
Van Gogh Museum, AmsterdamConservation
A real paintingThe canvas is hand painted, never printed.
Made to orderEach copy is created individually.
Controlled in photoYou review the completed table before sending.
Possible alterationsAdjustments may precede shipping.
Look at the work
The anatomical profile between drawing and impasto
The cranial vault occupies the upper half and tilts towards a narrow jaw. The eye sockets, sutures and teeth are drawn by dark blue lines which remain visible under the light keys.
The bottom of the canvas remains open, covered with long green and ocher brushstrokes. This reserve amplifies the presence of the skull without trying to install a table or realistic decor.
The Van Gogh Museum notice dates the work to May 1887 in Paris and identifies it as s0123V1962, F297 and JH1346. It is an isolated skull in profile, without cigarettes.
Composition, touch and color
Three observations specific to this painting
The original measures 42.4 × 30.4 cm. The material study published by the museum also explains why many cracks cross the surface.
01
Blue replaces the black outline
Van Gogh uses a fine brush loaded with blue to articulate the bones. The profile remains precise while maintaining a colorful vibration.
02
Light deposited in relief
On the forehead, arch and top of the head, the ivory touches are thick. They contrast with the thinner layers of the bottom.
03
Cracks linked to hidden paint
The pattern covers an earlier composition coated with zinc white. The very slow drying of this layer caused the upper paint to crack.
Documented benchmarks
Precisely identify the original work
Museum data allows this study to be identified with certainty and its surface to be understood through technical examination.
Date
Paris, May 1887
Dating places the web during the Parisian stay, more than a year after skeleton studies carried out in Antwerp.
Reference
F297 and JH1346
These two catalog numbers, with inventory s0123V1962, designate the profile kept in Amsterdam.
Technique
One image painted on top of another
The underlying layer and zinc white explain the visible cracks under and around the skull.
The copy must contrast the fine blue contours with the cream impasto, keep the ocher background breathable and respect the delicate curve of the jaw.
The pinkish gray cranial vault
The sutures in blue lines
Dark green orbit
The precise line of the teeth
The ocher background crossed with green
Work sheet
Title
Skull, F297
Artist
Vincent van Gogh (1853 -1890)
Date
May 1887
Place of creation
Paris
Original technique
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
42.4 × 30.4 cm
Inventory
Van Gogh Museum s0123V1962 · F297 · JH1346
Conservation
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Your reproduction
Handmade oil painting on canvas
From order to shipping
1
PreparationStudy of framing, proportions and colors.
2
Oil paintingManual production, layer after layer.
3
Photo validationChecking the table and requesting possible alterations.
4
Protected shippingCareful packaging and shipping with tracking.
In your interior
An anatomical still life with deep ochres
The vertical format is suitable for a contemporary bookcase, desk or cabinet. Ocher, bone gray, petrol blue and olive green match walnut and black metal.
Frequently asked questions
Before ordering
Is this a canvas print?
No. Each reproduction is manually painted in oil on canvas. Brushstrokes and material variations belong to the final result.
How is the visual reference chosen?
The official image of the Van Gogh Museum was provided in 2156 × 3000 px and preserved in these dimensions as a real WebP.
Can I check the result before shipping?
Yes. Photographs of the finished painting are sent to you; you can request alterations before validating the shipment.
Are custom formats possible?
Yes. The format can be adapted to your wall while maintaining the proportions and balance of the original composition.
Oil painting on canvas
Photo before shipping
Canvas rolled, without frame
2px
70 cm
390 cm
Custom order
How does your order work?
A simple and reassuring process, from selecting the size to the tracked delivery of your canvas.
1
You choose the size
Select the desired size before ordering.
2
We paint the canvas
Your reproduction is hand-painted entirely in oil.
3
Photo for validation
We send you a photo to validate the result before shipping.
4
Tracked delivery
You receive your canvas rolled, protected, and shipped with tracking.
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