A Lady Sealing a Letter 1658 - 1706

"A Lady Sealing a Letter" is a small, intimate oil painting by the Dutch artist Godfried Schalcken, created between 1658 and 1706. The work is a fine example of Schalcken's mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to create dramatic and evocative effects. The painting depicts a woman sealing a letter in a dimly lit room, illuminated only by a single candle. The use of dramatic lighting creates a sense of mystery and intimacy, drawing the viewer into the scene and inviting them to contemplate the woman's thoughts and emotions. This painting is currently housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst.