Artwork
Aardappelschillende vrouw
Aardappelschillende vrouw is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jo Koster. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1916, this oil painting by Dutch artist Jo Koster portrays a quiet domestic scene. The work is part of the collection at the Kröller‑Müller Museum, where it is displayed among other early‑twentieth‑century genre pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a woman seated on the ground, engaged in peeling potatoes. She wears a long blue skirt, a dark top and a purple apron, while a modest white‑brick wall with a window frames the background. The ordinary task and subdued posture convey a sense of everyday labor and calm concentration.
Technique & Style
Koster employs a pointillist approach, applying numerous small dots of pigment that merge at a distance to form the figures and surroundings. This method softens edges and creates a luminous, atmospheric effect, especially evident in the muted greens of the tree and the subtle tonal shifts of the woman's clothing.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Kröller‑Müller Museum’s holdings after its acquisition in the mid‑20th century, reflecting the institution’s focus on modern Dutch art. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s estate, with no record of earlier private ownership before the museum’s purchase.
Artist & collection
