A portrait of Adeline Ravoux, painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1890 during his final months in Auvers-sur-Oise, featuring his signature expressive brushwork.

Painted in June 1890, this portrait depicts Adeline Ravoux, the daughter of the innkeeper at the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh resided during the final weeks of his life. The work captures the young woman in profile, set against a dark, atmospheric background that contrasts with her lighter, cool-toned attire. Van Gogh employs his characteristic impasto technique, applying paint with visible, rhythmic strokes that define the contours of her face and the texture of her clothing. The composition is marked by a deliberate simplicity. Adeline is positioned to the right of the centre, her gaze directed away from the viewer. To her side, a floral element emerges from the darkness, rendered in shades of white and blue. The palette is dominated by pale greens, soft blues, and deep, near-black tones, creating a sense of quietude. Unlike his more explosive works from the Arles period, this portrait exhibits a controlled, almost melancholic restraint. Van Gogh produced several portraits during his time in Auvers-sur-Oise, often focusing on the local inhabitants. This specific image reflects his interest in capturing the character of his subjects through colour and line rather than strict photographic accuracy. The heavy, tactile application of paint provides a physical presence to the figure, while the stark background pushes the subject forward, demanding the viewer's attention. The portrait remains a significant example of his late-career focus on human subjects, demonstrating his ability to convey mood through a limited, carefully considered range of hues. The work is housed in a heavy, ornate frame that provides a stark contrast to the modern, expressive brushwork of the canvas itself.