Head of a Woman 1885

This is Vincent van Gogh's drawing, "Head of a Woman," now housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Executed with graphite, the work presents a raw and immediate study of a woman's face and upper torso. Van Gogh uses hatching lines to sculpt the form. Note how these lines move in varied directions, creating volume and shadow. The face, framed by a traditional bonnet, holds an expression of weary resignation. The dark eyes and furrowed brow convey a sense of hardship. The compressed composition focuses attention on the subject’s face and hands, with the stark lines giving a rough and almost sculptural quality to the image. Van Gogh’s use of hatching transcends mere representation, becoming an expressive tool in itself. The marks embody a profound empathy and are a potent commentary on the human condition. This drawing invites ongoing contemplation about the relationship between artist, subject, and viewer.