Head of a Woman 1885

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing, Head of a Woman, using pen and ink on paper. He wasn’t using traditional fine art materials like oil paint and canvas, but rather tools for drawing, which allowed for a much more immediate and spontaneous creation. Look closely, and you’ll notice the countless tiny lines van Gogh used to build up the image. See how the density and direction of these lines create shadows and highlights? This is what gives the drawing its sense of depth and volume, and the figure a sense of presence. The labor-intensive process of hatching lines to create tone is important. It speaks to van Gogh's social consciousness, his willingness to look at ordinary people, and his appreciation for the lives of working-class individuals. Paying attention to the materials and the making helps us understand the artwork's full meaning, moving beyond traditional ideas about fine art and appreciating the artistry in everyday practices.