The Love Letter

Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675), oil on canvas, c. 1669–1670

Vermeer chose an unusual vantage point for this painting. From a dim space in the foreground, a glimpse is afforded of another room with a domestic scene. An elegantly dressed woman looks up expectantly at a maidservant, who has just handed her a letter. The seascape on the wall behind them may well allude to the epistle’s subject: during the 17th century, the sea was often compared to love, and the lover to a ship.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-1595
  • Dimensionsheight 44 cm x width 38.5 cm, weight 9 kg, height 68.5 cm x width 62.5 cm x thickness 7 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op doek

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