Head of a Peasant Woman. Vincent van Gogh. Vincent van Gogh - Head of a Peasant Woman.jpg (source). Public domain — PD-Art.
Head of a Peasant Woman
Vincent van Gogh · 1884, December
- Catalog
- F0146a
- Date
- 1884, December
- Place painted
- Nuenen
- Museum
- Saint Louis Art Museum
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
About the painting
Painted during Van Gogh's formative Nuenen period, Head of a Peasant Woman is a stark and powerful character study. This work exemplifies his profound empathy for the rural poor, rendered with a somber palette of earthy browns, greens, and ochres. The woman's face, etched with lines, conveys hardship and resilience, a testament to her life of toil. Van Gogh's thick, textured brushstrokes build up the features, emphasizing a raw, unvarnished reality. This portrait is not about idealization, but about capturing the unyielding spirit and dignity he saw in the peasants who surrounded him. It's a fundamental piece showcasing his dedication to depicting authentic human experience before his move to France.
Collection: Saint Louis Art Museum. Whether it is currently on view should be confirmed with the museum before visiting.
Research note: this entry is based on an evolving catalog. Dates, attribution, location and visitor information should be verified against the institution’s current records.