“Peasant Woman, Head,” a distinguished artwork by Vincent van Gogh, originates from circa 1884 in Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed with ink on paper, this piece aligns with the Realism art movement and represents a sketch and study genre. This particular artwork resides within a private collection, further accentuating its exclusivity.
The artwork depicts the head of a peasant woman, rendered in a raw and expressive fashion indicative of van Gogh’s early drawing style. The use of ink manifests in bold, dynamic strokes, capturing the intensity and solemnity of the subject’s expression. The woman’s eyes are particularly prominent, conveying a depth of emotion and a sense of resilience. Her head is adorned with a simple headscarf, a common accessory for peasant women of that era, further situating the artwork within its socio-historical context. The background remains abstract and non-distractive, allowing the viewer to fully engage with the powerful presence of the subject. This sketch serves as a profound study in character and emotion, emblematic of van Gogh’s deep empathy for his subjects.