Girl In White (1890)
Created in 1890, Vincent van Gogh’s Girl in White, also known as 'Young Girl Standing Against a Background of Wheat,' features a peasant woman adorned with a vibrant yellow hat and blue ribbons, standing against a wheat field. With her distant gaze and shadowed face, the painting evokes a sense of emotional distance and reflects Van Gogh's poignant state of mind during the twilight of his life. The work, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork, exemplifies Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist style.
Year 1890
About the Artwork
Executed in Auvers-sur-Oise in the last months of his life, Girl in White is emblematic of Van Gogh's struggle with his mental health, yet also represents his immense creative output during this turbulent period. Under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, a supporter of his art, Van Gogh turned to the rural landscape and its inhabitants for inspiration. The painting captures not only the beauty of the peasant woman but also Van Gogh's internal conflicts, reflected in her distant gaze, which suggests feelings of isolation and disconnection. This duality inherent in the artwork speaks volumes about the artist's inner workings, leading to a piece that remains both captivating and poignant.
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Did You Know
During the last months of his life, Van Gogh created more than 70 paintings, a testament to his frenetic creative energy despite his deteriorating mental health.
Dr. Paul Gachet, the physician who cared for Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise, was a painter himself and played a significant role in encouraging Van Gogh’s artistic pursuits during his time there.
The large yellow hat worn by the peasant woman in Girl in White serves as a vibrant symbol of rural life, contrasting with the muted tones of her face, reflecting the blend of vitality and sorrow that characterizes Van Gogh’s later works.
