A cross stitch pattern based on Vincent van Gogh's Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette that is both exciting and challenging. As with many experiences in life, the more challenging the process, the more satisfying the outcome. Tackling a full coverage cross stitch pattern may be different than other cross stitch patterns that you have attempted. It may be different in respect to length, complexity, or style.
 
An early work by Vincent van Gogh. The small and undated oil-on-canvas painting featuring a skeleton and cigarette is part of the permanent collection of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It was most likely painted in the winter of 1885–86 as a satirical comment on conservative academic practices. Before it was common to use live humans as models, the academic routine included the study of skeletons to develop an understanding of human anatomy. Van Gogh was in Antwerp, Belgium at that time attending classes at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which he later said were boring and taught him nothing.