In this striking artwork, the viewer is immediately drawn to the emotive visage of a young woman, her face framed by a characteristic white bonnet typical of her time. Vincent van Gogh, with his unorthodox brushstrokes, contrasts rich, earthy tones against ominously dark backgrounds, allowing the subject’s pale skin and expressive features to leap out at us. The painter's expressive technique captures the essence of Gordina de Groot’s character, contrasting her stoic expression with an almost palpable vulnerability that evokes empathy. Each stroke is deliberate yet conveys a sense of spontaneity, inviting us to contemplate the myriad stories hidden in her gaze.

The composition is deliberately straightforward: her direct stare engages the viewer, creating an intimacy that is both unsettling and beautiful. Van Gogh's use of light plays across her visage, illuminating her eyes and emphasizing her natural features, while the textured quality of the paint speaks to the artist's emotional engagement with his subject. This portrait is not merely a representation but a window into the soul of a woman from a bygone era; it embodies the struggles and resilience articulated in the subtleties of her expression. Historically speaking, works like this one highlight the social context of the 19th century, where women were often confined to domestic roles, yet in this portrait, Gordina finds a voice that resonates through time, a testament to her existence and strength.