“Head of a Peasant with Cap” is a work by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1885. This ink on paper drawing belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and falls within the genre of sketch and study. The artwork, as the title suggests, illustrates the head of a peasant wearing a cap, rendered in swift, expressive brushstrokes emblematic of van Gogh’s style.
The artwork captures a profile view of a peasant’s head adorned with a simple cap. Van Gogh uses a combination of thick and thin lines to define the contours and features of the peasant, providing a stark contrast against the blank paper background. The figure’s rugged facial features and worn clothing suggest a life of hard manual labor, reflecting van Gogh’s profound empathy for the working class. The sketch-like quality and the minimalistic approach foregrounds the raw and unembellished essence of the subject, highlighting van Gogh’s adeptness in portraying human character and emotion with minimal means.
