



Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette (1886) by Vincent van Gogh - Poster
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Yes, this really is a Van Gogh. During the winter of 1885–86, he briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where students spent hours drawing plaster casts and skeletons. At some stage, he decided to give one of them a lit cigarette.
The result is a small painting with a wry sense of humour. The skull grins against a black background, while the bones of the spine and shoulders are picked out in shades of grey and cream. A fine wisp of smoke rises from the jaw. It’s often seen as a student’s prank at the expense of stuffy academic teaching, and perhaps as a nod to his own heavy smoking, too.
It makes a talking point in a sitting room, home office or bar area, and is a favourite with fans of vanitas imagery. We offer it as a poster in several sizes. Browse our full Van Gogh collection if you’re after something sunnier. To find out how far he travelled after Antwerp, read the story of his next chapter in France.
- Unique wall art designed by Posterscape's talented artists in France, printed and shipped from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
- Typical UK delivery time: 2–4 business days via our dedicated UK logistics partner. Framed posters may take an extra 2–5 business days to arrive, as they require additional care and preparation.
- Our posters are printed on demand in the UK using high-quality FSC-certified 200 gsm paper, ensuring both sustainability and premium finish.
- Complimentary framing service! Your poster arrives framed and ready to hang: no extra cost.
- High-quality oak frames, chosen to match diverse UK interior styles.
- Our framed posters are protected by shatterproof, high-quality plexiglass.
- UK-based fulfillment supports faster delivery and lowers environmental impact.
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