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Lautrec is in his Impressionist phase when, at the age of 23, he portrays his 34-year-old friend Vincent van Gogh. But in contrast to the Impressionists, Lautrec shows himself a master in his grasp of the psychology of his subject. In painting his friend in profile Lautrec not only proffers an unknown side of the artist (for most of the portraits and self-portraits of van Gogh show a full-face view), he also allows a glimpse into his psyche.
Van Gogh greatly respected Lautrec's work, and he even persuaded his brother to buy some of his paintings, but the two artists were too dissimilar in temperament and motivation to remain close companions.
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