Portrait of Patience Escalier, Shepherd in Provence 1888

Vincent van Gogh's "Portrait of Patience Escalier, Shepherd in Provence" (1888) is a striking portrayal of a weathered, working-class man. The painting, which uses bold, expressive brushstrokes typical of van Gogh's style, captures the subject's intense gaze and worn features with a sense of both realism and compassion. The bright yellow straw hat against the vibrant blue background creates a stark contrast, while the use of thick, swirling brushstrokes gives the work a sense of dynamism and energy. The painting is currently on display at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California.