For the creation of this artifact, I used my intelligent scissor implementation, and the Gimp.

First, I began with my source image. I cut out a mask using the scissor program. On Flikr, I found another suitable source to provide the background.

Next, import the mask into the background image as a layer.

Next, create a mask based off of the new layer expressed as a greyscale. This creates a layer, with an identical mask. Delete the contents of the layer, leaving the mask intact.

Open the van Gogh image. Select all, and copy it. Paste the contents of the paste buffer into the masked layer in the final image.

Finally, scale the bottom layer to match the size of the foreground.