In the painting Vivien with Hat by Alex Katz, the viewer is presented with a striking portrait of a woman wearing a large, wide-brimmed hat. The composition captures her profile as she looks off to the right, her face partially obscured by the hat's brim. The background is a flat, vivid blue, which enhances the focus on the subject and creates a serene, airy atmosphere.

The woman’s hair, dark and flowing, peeks out from beneath the hat, contrasting with her light skin tone. Her lips are painted a bold red, adding a vibrant pop of color to the otherwise muted palette. She is dressed in a white top, with subtle grey stripes that add texture and interest to the composition.

Katz’s minimalist approach is evident in the clean lines and the simplified forms used to depict the figure. Despite the simplicity, the painting exudes elegance and sophistication, with the minimal details providing just enough information to convey the subject’s presence and personality. The hat, with its broad expanse, becomes a significant element of the composition, framing the face and adding to the overall sense of poise and grace.

Vivien with Hat exemplifies Katz's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with minimal detail, creating powerful and evocative portraits that resonate with viewers.