An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Woman Reading a Letter, Johannes Vermeer, c. 1663h 46.5cm × w 39cm × d 6.5cm
Johannes Vermeer
oil on canvas
In the gentle embrace of a quiet morning, a young woman stands in a sunlit corner of her room, captivated by a letter she holds in her hands. She wears a blue nightrobe, its deep hue reminiscent of lapis lazuli, a vibrant jewel that seems to absorb the early light streaming through the window. The rest of her surroundings fade away, their yellows and reds subordinate, mere whispers against the commanding presence of her blue garment.
As she reads, time seems to suspend itself. The air is still, save for the soft rustle of the letter, each word pulling her deeper into its world. Sunbeams dance across the room, casting a delicate glow that uplifts the shadows, painting the walls with a cool light that mirrors the tranquility of her moment.
This is the magic of Vermeer, the master artist who first ventured to capture such ethereal qualities in painting. His brush transformed cool greys into flesh tones, revealing subtle emotions beneath the surface. He dared to introduce light blue shadows, evoking a serenity that seems to wrap around the viewer, much like the robe enveloping the woman.
In this serene scene, with the letter cradled close, she becomes a part of the painting itself, a testament to the beauty and emotion that words can conjure, leaving a lingering warmth in the air long after the last word is read.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.