Van Gogh was aware regarding the fact that the Japanese printmakers exchanged the work with one another and the respective idea appealed to him, therefore he suggested that he himself, Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard should perform the same. From the respective aspect, it was quite clear that they liked one another and it helped them in getting stuck with one another and it helped in creating harmony among them. As Bernard and Gauguin were supposed to spend couple of months in Pont-Aven, Van Gogh was keen on seeing themselves paint the portraits of one another. In addition, Bernard felt intimidated by the tasks at hand, by giving seniority of Gauguin, therefore in such scenario, he opted for the self-portrait. After a few days, Gaugin completed the self-portrait with Portrait of Émile Bernard.

The main idea and aspect of the respective painting was to show us the troubled as well as pensive Gaugin whose gravity along with melancholy are being contrasted by vibrant yellow along with floral patterned wallpaper which was presented behind him. In the right-side corner, there was simple sketch of Bernard which was hanging in blue-green colour. With the help of the self-portraits, it can be seen that there has been showcasing of the different features such as analysis of the poor victims of the society along with taking revenge on it by doing something good. In addition, from the painting, it can be analyzed that physically being isolated from friends, Van Gogh tried to paint self-portrait and he dedicated the same to Gaugin.

The overall artwork helped in understanding the fact that the artwork was meant to be not only the representation, however to himself as the individual along with impressionist as well as endeavour which was being described to Theo. Additionally, Van Gogh was being impressed by the melancholy of the portrait and he tried to describe the shadows in the face of Gauguin as the lugubriously tinged with the blue colour and it helped in noting the fact that the he looked ill and tormented. Gauguin interests everyone greatly as a man and it provides the instinct of the wild beast. Furthermore, the self-portrait helped in understanding the different ways to overcome the different challenges which will be helpful in improving the scenario in a positive manner. Through the different kinds of self-portraits, it can be seen that there should be inclusion of individualism that will be helpful in representing themselves with the monastic severity.

During the respective period, it can be seen that the course of Gauguin was remarkable in nature as it helped in understanding the overall scenario of the individualism and understanding the overall aspects of having good heart that will be assisting in reducing the darkness in life and it will be enhancing the success factor of the different individuals. The Gauguin is more studied and carried further that helped in representing the different factors which will be beneficial in improving the scenario.