In the painting Vivien in White Coat by Alex Katz, the viewer is presented with a portrait of a woman seen from behind, her head turned slightly to the side. The composition focuses on her upper body, with her dark, bobbed hair contrasting against the soft pale blue background.

She is depicted wearing a white coat with minimal shading, using broad, confident brushstrokes that define the contours of her body. A striking element of the painting is her yellow hand, which rests gently on her chest, adding a vibrant pop of color and drawing attention to the center of the composition. The use of black lines adds definition to the coat and provides a sense of depth and structure to the figure.

Katz’s characteristic minimalist style is evident in this piece, where the simplicity of the forms and the limited palette are used to great effect, creating a sense of calm and introspection. The overall impression is one of elegance and quiet confidence, capturing the essence of the subject with subtlety and grace.