Head of a Woman

"Head of a Woman", painted in 1884, offers a glimpse into the world of portraiture in the late 19th century. This captivating piece, measuring 0.333 meters by 0.42 meters, is currently housed right here in the Noordbrabants Museum. The artist focuses our attention on the woman's face and expression, her head and shoulders positioned against a darkened background that further emphasizes her presence. Notice the artist's skilled use of light and shadow, illuminating her face and drawing our eyes to the details of her age and experience etched in her features. The woman's somber expression and the simple white bonnet framing her face, along with her dark clothing, hint at a life perhaps marked by hardship or simplicity. The artist's choice of earthy tones and visible brushstrokes adds to the painting's sense of realism and immediacy, inviting us to contemplate the story behind this woman's gaze.