“Head of an Old Peasant Woman with White Cap” is an oil-on-canvas artwork painted in 1884 by Vincent van Gogh during his time in Nuenen, Netherlands. This portrait, exemplifying the Realism movement, is currently housed in the Von der Heydt Museum in Wuppertal, Germany.
The artwork presents a solemn portrayal of an elderly peasant woman, characterized by deeply etched facial lines and a tanned complexion, indicative of a life spent working outdoors. The woman’s expression is grave, her eyes appearing tired yet resilient, radiating a quiet dignity. She is adorned with a white cap, its texture meticulously rendered in contrast to the dark, undefined background, enhancing her weathered features. The earthy tones and stark lighting employed by van Gogh further emphasize the woman’s ruggedness, highlighting the artist’s masterful ability to capture the essence of his subject through the medium.
