An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Study of a Young WomanJohannes Vermeer
Dutch, Delft 1632–1675 Delft
ca. 1665–67
17 1/2 x 15 3/4 in. (44.5 x 40 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, in memory of Theodore Rousseau Jr., 1979
In the delicate artwork "Study of a Young Woman" by Johannes Vermeer, a serene atmosphere envelops the viewer. The young woman, captured mid-turn, exudes a quiet presence. Her soft expression invites us into her thoughts, making us ponder what lies behind her gaze.
Vermeer masterfully employs light to illuminate her face and the silken sheen of her blue garment. The subtle highlights create a lifelike quality, drawing attention to her gentle features and the playful strands of her hair. The contrast between the dark background and her luminous skin enhances the feeling of intimacy, as if we are observing a private moment.
Every detail almost feels like a whisper—her slight smile and the delicate way she wraps her shawl around her shoulders. This artwork stands as a testament to the beauty of stillness, allowing us to reflect on the simple yet profound nature of human connection. Vermeer's technique not only showcases his extraordinary skill but also evokes a sense of contemplation within the heart of the viewer.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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