Vincent Van Gogh painted between 35 and 40 self-portraits during his relatively short career as an artist. He did all of them in 1885 through 1889. Art historians have speculated about why Van Gogh painted so many self-portraits. They point out that, being poor, the artist couldn't afford to hire actual models. Short of funds but determined nevertheless to hone his skills as a figure painter, Van Gogh became his own best sitter: "I purposely bought a good enough mirror to work from myself, for want of a model." Through his choices of colour and backgrounds, each Van Gogh self-portrait reflects the development of Vincent's artistic style. Early dark backgrounds gradually become lighter and more colourful. His neutral clothing brightens as the yellow straw hat and blue jacket appear.