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Vermeer conceived many of his paintings around letters, capturing the sense of expectancy elicited by these intimate communications. Here, Vermeer conveyed the depth of the young woman's feelings through her tender expression. She, with lowered eyes and half-opened mouth, firmly holds the unfolded letter in both her hands while tightly clasping her arms to her side. Immersed in her private world, she is unaware of the presence of the viewer, who, as though coming unexpectedly upon an intimate scene, instinctively holds back, reluctant to intrude.
Excerpt taken from
Vermeer: The Complete Works
by Arthur K. Wheelock Jr |
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