The artwork “Head of a Peasant Woman with White Cap” was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1884 in Nuenen, Netherlands. Rendered in oil on canvas, this portrait exemplifies the Realism movement and is currently housed in the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
In this portrayal, the peasant woman is depicted with a somber, yet resilient expression, accentuated by deep shadows and stark highlights that bring out the contours of her face. The white cap suggests her rural background and adds a contrasting element to the predominantly dark color palette used in the painting. Van Gogh’s characteristic brushstrokes are evident, contributing a textured depth to the subject’s weathered features and worn clothing, capturing the essence of the peasant’s humble existence. The dark background further emphasizes the central figure, creating a striking visual focus on the woman’s determined gaze and the intricacies of her visage.