Head of a Peasant Woman
1884 Saint Louis Art Museum
About this artwork
This painting is a close-up portrait of an elderly peasant woman, one of many studies Van Gogh created of local villagers during his time in Nuenen. The work emphasizes her rugged features and simple attire, reflecting his interest in the lives of the working class.
Did you know?
During his Nuenen period, Van Gogh was deeply empathetic to the lives of the local peasants, seeing in them a raw honesty and dignity that he strove to capture in his art. He often paid his models with food or small amounts of money, establishing a deep connection with the community. This particular portrait reflects his dedication to depicting the authentic spirit of rural life, a foundational theme in his early artistic development.
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Head of a Peasant Woman
Vincent van Gogh, 1884
