“Woman Grinding Coffee” is a genre painting created in 1881 by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh, during his time in the Netherlands. Executed with ink and watercolor on paper, this artwork exemplifies the Realism movement and currently resides in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman deeply absorbed in the task of grinding coffee. The woman is seated, wearing traditional attire that reflects the time and region of the painting. Her focused expression and the meticulous detail given to her hands emphasize the laborious nature of her activity. The earthy, muted tones and the visible texture of the watercolor impart a sense of rustic simplicity and humility, characteristic of van Gogh’s early works. The background is kept minimal, drawing the viewer’s attention directly to the central figure and her action. This piece captures a quiet, everyday moment with profound authenticity and empathy.
