“L’Arlesienne, Portrait of Madame Ginoux” is a remarkable oil on canvas painting created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 during his time in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. The artwork, measuring 73.7 x 91.4 cm, is a significant piece within the Post-Impressionist movement and falls under the genre of portraiture.
The artwork exhibits a contemplative and serene depiction of Madame Ginoux, who is seated at a table with an expression of reflective introspection. She rests her elbow on the table, with one hand supporting her face while the other hand casually touches an open book, suggesting an intellectual engagement. The composition is dominated by vibrant contrasts, with the mustard-yellow background juxtaposed against the dark attire of the sitter, and the greenish hues of the table creating a delightful harmony. This portrait exemplifies Van Gogh’s mastery in capturing the psychological depth and the essence of his subject through expressive brushwork and color dynamics.
