Woman in Blue Reading a Letter

by Gregor J. M. Weber

Woman in Blue Reading a Letter of around 1663 is one of Johannes Vermeer's best-loved paintings. It is a simple scene. A young woman flanked by two chairs and a table is reading a letter, deep in utter concentration. One immediately thinks that it was written by her sweetheart, but Vermeer isn't saying.

This intimate picture looks very natural and lifelike, but in fact it is very cleverly composed. Defining the rectangular areas and lines are in perfect balance. The light is suggested with delicate tints, and the shadows have a pale blue tinge. Look closely and you will see that the entire scene is constructed with subtle, melting contours.

The hushed mood, the painstaking composition, the modulating blues, the suggestion of light—all these aspects make Woman in Blue Reading a Letter one of the great masterpieces of painting.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Tutankhamun18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting little details and an overview of composition, history and framing/restoration of the Vermeer painting. I like this short format! Takes 40mins to read and is beautiful, inspiring and provokes thought.

[Benjamin Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that made me think about one of my favorite paintings in new ways. Very informative with great images to illustrate the points made in the text.