Woman Seated at a Table, Holding a Letter 

Henry Edridge created this watercolor drawing, Woman Seated at a Table, Holding a Letter, in the late 18th or early 19th century. The letter she holds is a potent symbol, a vehicle of communication and emotion, laden with the weight of words unsaid. We see echoes of this motif across time. Consider the Renaissance depictions of Mary, receiving news from the angel—the word made image. The act of holding the letter, a gesture of anticipation or reflection, is a powerful visual shorthand for inner emotional turmoil. Throughout history, the letter has resurfaced in countless forms, evolving from personal correspondence to a symbol of broader themes of communication, revelation, and the human desire for connection. This constant reinvention showcases how cultural memory and emotional experience intertwine, influencing the production and interpretation of enduring symbols.