“Woman with Folded Hands, Half-Length,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1883, during his time in The Hague, Netherlands, is a notable piece belonging to the Realism movement. This artwork, a synthesis of pencil, ink, and watercolor on paper, is categorized as a sketch and study. It is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a woman in a contemplative pose, her hands folded and placed on a table. The medium of pencil, ink, and watercolor on paper lends a subtle, detailed texture to the piece, characteristic of van Gogh’s early work before his more vibrant post-impressionist phase. The figure is portrayed with a detailed focus on her serene yet introspective demeanor, reflecting the veracity and emphasis on everyday life typical of the Realism movement. Her attire, simple and functional, underscores the unembellished truth of the subject’s existence. The background, rendered in soft tones, does not distract from the central subject, instead complementing the overall solemn mood of the piece.
