Head of a Woman 1886

Vincent van Gogh’s “Head of a Woman” is a drawing of unknown date held at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. It’s a work that asks us to consider the status of women in late 19th century European society. Van Gogh was fascinated by the working classes, often depicting peasants and laborers in his art. This drawing might portray a working-class woman from the Netherlands or France. Note her closed eyes, Van Gogh doesn't portray her as an individual, but as a representation of her gender and class. The sketch-like quality, suggests a quick study, typical of his earlier works when he was learning to portray working-class figures. To fully understand this drawing, one might research the social and economic conditions of working-class women in Europe during this period. It is a reminder that art is not created in a vacuum, but is deeply intertwined with the social and institutional contexts of its time.