The artwork, titled “Mask of an Egyptian Mummy,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1889 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This piece, executed in chalk on paper, belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and falls under the genre of sketch and study. The artwork is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The piece exhibits a detailed depiction of a stylized Egyptian mummy mask. Van Gogh’s characteristic brushwork and expressive linearity are evident in the carefully rendered lines that form the mask’s distinct features and headdress. The face is adorned with large, almond-shaped eyes, a serene expression, and finely drawn details that convey a sense of timelessness and ancient cultural significance. The headdress is intricately marked with parallel lines, suggesting a sense of depth and texture. This study underscores Van Gogh’s fascination with historical artifacts and his ability to imbue even a simple sketch with profound emotional resonance.