Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Women Picking Olives" is a distinctively expressive painting by the illustrious Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, created in December 1889. The composition vividly captures rural labor through its depiction of women harvesting olives, set against a placid yet vibrant backdrop. The olive grove is portrayed as a place of serene labor, with the figures methodically engaging in their task amidst the rhythmical patterns of tree trunks and foliage.

Composition and Color:
The painting is characterized by Van Gogh's dynamic brushwork and bold color palette. He uses swirling lines and patterned strokes to convey the textures of the leaves and the figures’ clothing. The foliage is rendered in shades of green, punctuated with accents reflective of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and movement. The sky above is a beautiful blend of blue and mauve, indicative of the soft illumination common during twilight or dawn, suggesting the passage of time and the continuity of human toil and nature’s cycles.

Figures:
The women in the painting are robust, dressed in humble, earth-toned garments that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Their postures are integrated into the landscape, emphasizing the unity between human labor and nature. Each figure is absorbed in her task, and their forms are stylized using Van Gogh's expressive lines and strokes, conveying both physicality and the rhythm of the olive-picking process.

Setting:
The setting is evocative of the Southern French countryside around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh resided at the time. The undulating lines of the trunks and branches of the olive trees are a signature element in Van Gogh's depictions of nature, imbuing the scene with a lyrical quality. The painting captures the tranquility and repetitive aspects of rural life, juxtaposed with the energy and enthusiasm Van Gogh infused in his approach to landscape painting.

Location:
The original "Women Picking Olives" is part of the collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. This institution is known for its impressive collection of European art, including other notable works by Van Gogh.

Artist and Artistic Movement:
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) stands as one of the most influential figures in Western art history, associated primarily with the Post-Impressionist movement. His works are celebrated for their bold colors, emotional honesty, and expressive brushwork. "Women Picking Olives" aligns with Van Gogh's focus during the latter part of his career on capturing the spirit of the natural world and the dignity of labor. This period of his life saw him producing a prolific body of work despite his ongoing struggles with mental health.

Artistic Context:
The painting was created during Van Gogh's time at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, following his voluntary commitment. His stay in this rural yet secluded environment resulted in some of his most poignant works, reflecting his deep connection to nature and his emotional state.

Noteworthy Details:
- Van Gogh's time in Saint-Rémy was both challenging and immensely productive. Despite his mental turmoil, he created nearly 150 paintings during his year-long stay.
- "Women Picking Olives" exemplifies Van Gogh's unique ability to depict rural life with empathy and vitality, epitomizing the toil and simplicity of agricultural laborers often overlooked in the art of his time.
- The painting is part of a series of works Van Gogh created featuring olive trees and the people who worked among them, exploring different aspects of the landscape and its transformation under varied light conditions.

In sum, "Women Picking Olives" is a testament to Van Gogh's artistic brilliance, capturing the essence of human labor intertwined with the beauty of the natural world, rendered with his signature expressive flair.