Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window 1657

Johannes Vermeer’s 1657 painting "Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window" is a prime example of the Dutch Golden Age genre of genre painting. Depicting a young woman in a domestic setting, the work is notable for its naturalism and the masterful use of light, which streams through the window illuminating the woman’s face and hand as she reads a letter. The painting's realism and attention to detail, along with its emotional depth, have made it one of Vermeer’s most celebrated works and a lasting testament to his artistry.