Although Van gogh is best known for his sunflowers (one lives nearby at the National Gallery), my vote for his most iconic painting is “Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear.” In 1888 after an argument with fellow painter and roommate Gauguin, Van gogh sliced off his ear and delivered it to a local prostitute. Soon after, he painted this self-portrait. So much of the artist’s tumultuous life is summed up in this one painting.

One more thing I love about this painting is the image of a Japanese print in the background. Before moving to the south of France, site of the ear incident, Van gogh lived in Paris where orientalism was all the rage. He began to collect woodblock prints, often pinning them to his wall for inspiration, and including them in several images.

Today, Van gogh’s “Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear” resides in the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House in a room formerly used by the Royal Academy of Art for its famous summer exhibitions in the late 1700’s.

Today’s gallery has fewer paintings, but still the same classic architecture.

The Royal Academy of Science and the Royal Society Society of Antiquaries also resided in Somerset House in adjacent rooms that are part of today’s Courtauld Gallery. The Georgian architecture and history of these rooms are just as impressive as the artwork.

Although small by London art museum standards, the Courtauld is definitely worth a visit for its history, architecture and Van gogh!