Woman at a Window, Reading a Letter c. 1813

Sir David Wilkie's "Woman at a Window, Reading a Letter" is a detailed etching depicting a woman reading a letter at a window. The etching, dated c. 1813, captures a moment of domestic intimacy, showcasing Wilkie's skill in capturing everyday life and conveying emotion through subtle gestures. The woman's posture and facial expression suggest a mixture of anticipation and contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the content of the letter and its impact on her. The etching's intimate scale and focus on a solitary figure at a window exemplify the genre of "genre painting," a popular style in the early 19th century.