Brieflezende jongen 1658 - 1677

"Brieflezende jongen" (Boy Reading a Letter) is a 17th-century etching by Dutch artist Wallerant Vaillant, created between 1658 and 1677. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a young man engrossed in reading a letter. Vaillant's mastery of chiaroscuro is evident in the dramatic use of light and shadow, highlighting the boy's focused expression and the delicate folds of his clothing. This intimate portrayal of a commonplace activity exemplifies Vaillant's ability to capture the essence of daily life in his works.