Head of a Peasant Woman, 1874, L?on-Augustin Lhermitte, French, Mont-Saint-P?re, Aisne 1844¡VParis 1925, 16 3/16 ¡Ñ 13 5/16 in. (41.1 ¡Ñ 33.8 cm), Charcoal and chalk on off-white paper, France, 19th century, L?on Augustin Lhermitte¡¦s sympathetic, realistic portrayal of the people of rural France played well to Parisian audiences and even gained the admiration of the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh (1853¡V1890). This drawing reflects Lhermitte¡¦s commitment to naturalism both in its acutely observed handling and its humble subject. The sitter, an aging woman with a simple veil and shawl, becomes, in Lhermitte¡¦s hand, an image of strength and grace.