L'Arlésienne: Madame Joseph-Michel Ginoux (Marie Julien, 1848–1911) by Vincent van Gogh is a profound portrait executed in oil on canvas between 1888 and 1889. This work represents a crucial period in the artist’s career, specifically his transformative year in Arles, France. The subject, Marie Ginoux, was the proprietress of the Café de la Gare, where Gogh often stayed; she became one of his most enduring and challenging models.
The painting depicts Ginoux seated formally in traditional Provençal dress. Although her facial expression is largely flat and composed, the intense yellow and orange hues of the background, applied with thick, agitated impasto, create a powerful visual contrast and psychological intensity. Central to the composition are the objects displayed on the table beside the seated woman: two Books. These volumes, interpreted as signifying her contemplative nature or the reading habits of the era, contrast sharply with the emotional energy imparted by the thick brushwork characteristic of Gogh’s mature style.
This particular version is one of several portraits Gogh created of Marie Ginoux, showcasing his experimentation with color theory and psychological depth in his portraiture. The powerful technique and historical importance ensure its continued study globally. Today, the canvas resides within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. While the original is preserved in the MET, high-quality prints and reproductions of this iconic work are frequently circulated globally, often available through public domain image archives due to its age and stature.
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