La Mousmé, 1888. Vincent van Gogh. Vangogh mousme.jpg (source). Public domain — PD-Art.
La Mousmé, 1888
Vincent van Gogh · 1888, July
- Catalog
- F431
- Date
- 1888, July
- Place painted
- Arles
- Museum
- National Gallery of Art
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
About the painting
La Mousmé, painted in Arles, is a captivating portrait of a young Provençal girl, whom Van Gogh described as a "Japanese girl" in her appearance and spirit, inspired by Pierre Loti's novel Madame Chrysanthème. Her youthful face is rendered with bold outlines and a striking combination of greens, blues, and whites, reflecting his absorption of Japanese print aesthetics. The background, a vibrant pattern of flowers and stars, adds to the work's exotic and decorative quality. This portrait exemplifies Van Gogh's profound empathy for his sitters and his ability to infuse them with life and personality through his distinct use of color and energetic brushwork, creating an unforgettable image.
Collection: National Gallery of Art. 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.