Amsterdam Orphan Girl c. 1890 - 1910

"Amsterdam Orphan Girl" is a painting by Nicolaas van der Waay, a Dutch painter born in 1855 and died in 1936. Painted sometime between 1890 and 1910, this oil on canvas depicts a young woman, likely an orphan, dressed in traditional Dutch garb and reading a book in a dimly lit room. The painting showcases van der Waay's talent for capturing the quiet melancholy of everyday life, with a focus on subtle details and natural light. The work is a poignant portrayal of a young woman finding solace in literature, a theme common to van der Waay's artistic style.