Completely harmonious surface, no bubbles or impurities with a matte finish to prevents distracting reflections.
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Description
Vermeer's genre scenes exude a remarkable sense of intimacy. The viewer often feels as if he or she has been allowed to discreetly share in moments of people's lives that take place in the privacy of their homes. Here, Vermeer provides a quiet space in the corner of a room, behind a carpeted table, for the young woman to read her letter. The light from the open window illuminates the young woman's head and shoulders as she follows the words of the letter attentively. See more
Seen in profile, she is unaware that her emotional response is faintly reflected in the window panes before her.
This painting has an immediacy that stems from Vermeer's growing interest in naturalistic, even illusionistic effects. It suggests not only the translucent and reflective qualities of the glass, but also the brightness of the woman's lemon-yellow sleeves, and the coat of the wool rug, which he accentuates with colored reflections. The most remarkable illusionist element, however, is the large yellowish-green curtain hanging from a rod that runs across the painting. Partly because the light falls on its front surface, the curtain seems to belong to the viewer's space, as if it had been pulled aside to reveal this intimate moment in the young woman's life.