Skull with the Burning Cigarette

1885 Find this painting on the map

Van Gogh made this painting in the winter of 1885-1886 in Antwerp
(Belgium). He rented a small room for 25 Francs a month. Vincent decorated the small room with Japanese prints on the wall. Vincent also attended the art academy to develop his skills.

Skeletons were often used
to help the students understand human anatomy. He tried to express the
lifelessness of a skull. The skull that exists of nothing more than
bones got a touch of humor from the painter, because the smoke only
comes out between the teeth.

During his stay in Antwerp Vincent became obsessed with his work and forgot the world around him. He didn’t want to give up his work and started to drink absinthe heavily. Vincent was also found to have syphilis: a sexually transmitted disease. It didn't went well with Vincent at this time.

Current Location: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands