The Reading 

"The Reading" by Carl Spitzweg is a genre painting depicting a man absorbed in reading a letter while standing in a garden setting. The scene, rendered in the artist's characteristically detailed and slightly whimsical style, captures a moment of quiet contemplation. The man, dressed in a simple blue coat, holds the letter aloft, his attention fully focused on the written word. Spitzweg's work is often associated with Biedermeier, an artistic movement that emphasized domesticity, simplicity, and a sense of tranquility. His paintings, featuring ordinary people in everyday situations, became popular in the 19th century for their charm and relatable themes.