Woman Reading a Letter 1664

"Woman Reading a Letter" (1664) by Pieter de Hooch depicts a woman seated in a chair, lost in the contents of a letter she holds in her hands. The painting is characteristic of de Hooch's genre paintings, which often feature intimate scenes of domestic life in Dutch interiors. The woman's focused expression and the soft natural light that bathes the room create a sense of tranquility and contemplation. The composition is carefully balanced, with the woman positioned near the window, allowing for a glimpse of the cityscape beyond. The interplay of light and shadow, particularly on the woman's face, adds depth and realism to the scene. The painting is currently on display at the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts in Hungary.