A Woman Walking in a Garden

Van Gogh's images of women in gardens reflect his sustained interest in finding subjects that combined figure and landscape in the manner of his admired Monticelli. Painted during his Paris period, this work shows the influence of Impressionist figure painting — particularly Monet's garden series and Renoir's sunlit outdoor scenes — but Van Gogh brings a heavier, more considered touch to the handling of light through foliage. The solitary woman walking communicates a characteristic Van Gogh quality of isolation within social setting that would become more pronounced in the Arles and Saint-Rémy periods.

Flickering strokes of pale green, yellow, and lilac build the garden setting. The figure is painted with greater definition than the surrounding vegetation, drawing the eye through the dappled space. The palette is noticeably lighter and fresher than the dark Nuenen work.