The artwork titled “Peasant Woman, Head” is a sketch and study created by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh in the year 1885 while he was residing in Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed using chalk on paper, this piece is categorized under the Realism art movement and is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork portrays the head and upper torso of a peasant woman. The subject is depicted with her eyes closed, exuding a sense of serenity or contemplation. Van Gogh’s skilled use of chalk creates soft yet deliberate strokes that define the features and textures of the woman’s face and attire. Her head is adorned with a simple headscarf, typical of peasant attire in the late 19th century, and the shading around her eyes, nose, and mouth adds depth and realism to her visage. The lines of her clothing are rendered with a similar meticulousness, emphasizing the folds and shadows in her garment. This work highlights Van Gogh’s early exploration of the human form and his sensitivity to the dignity and disposition of his subjects.
