*** About the L'Arlesienne: Madame Ginoux with Books: Created in 1888 during Vincent van Gogh's prolific period in Arles, this painting is a testament to his evolving style and emotional depth. Influenced by Japanese prints and Impressionism, Van Gogh employed bold, expressive colors and dramatic, gestural strokes that conveyed emotion more than realism. The subject, Madame Ginoux, was known to Van Gogh through the Café de la Gare in Arles, where she and her husband were proprietors. Van Gogh formed a personal connection with her, which is deeply reflected in the empathetic portrayal. This artwork not only captures the physical appearance of Madame Ginoux but also hints at the inner life and spirit of the sitter. The painting is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering viewers a slice of 19th-century Provençal life through Van Gogh's eyes.