The artwork titled “Head of a Woman” was created by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh around 1883 while he was in The Hague, Netherlands. It is executed in crayon and pencil on paper and belongs to the Realism movement. This portrait is currently housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted with a contemplative and weary expression, characteristic of Van Gogh’s empathetic approach to portraying the human condition. The usage of crayon and pencil highlights the detailed textures of the woman’s skin and hair, which are rendered with meticulous lines and subtle shading. The somber tones and stern ambiance of the portrait emphasize the gravity and depth of the woman’s character, encapsulating the essence of Realism as an art movement. The background is kept simple and dark, drawing further focus to the subject’s face, which is illuminated by a stark light source, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the piece.