The artwork, titled “Portrait of a Woman with a Red Ribbon,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement. It is a portrait that measures 60 by 50 cm and is held in a private collection.
In the artwork, a woman is portrayed in profile view against a dark, textured background, her visage illuminated with warmth and vibrancy typical of Van Gogh’s palette. Her hair, dark and voluminous, is adorned with a strikingly bright red ribbon that immediately draws the viewer’s attention. The brushwork is expressive, with bold, almost sculptural strokes that convey both the texture of her clothing and the contours of her face. The woman’s expression appears contemplative, her lips slightly parted, further emphasizing the depth of character that Van Gogh masterfully imparts in his portrayal. The juxtaposition of the rich, dark background with the vivid elements of the red ribbon and her skin tones underscores the emotional intensity and complexity synonymous with Van Gogh’s work during this period.