Big Girls in Art: Vermeer
Woman in Blue Reading a Letter (circa 1663) by Johannes Vermeer . A poster print of this painting is available here.
Here we have a Big Girl (or perhaps a Thin Girl wearing many layers of clothing? Or a Pregnant Girl?) studiously reading a letter!
Francesca asks: How does this painting make you feel?
And: In your opinion, what is she reading? Who has written it? How does she feel about it?
I look at this picture and I want to reach out and comfort her; to me, she looks very pregnant; and the letter seems to have bad news…look how she’s gripping it with both hands, without a trace of a smile.
I think she’s painted just an instant before she drops into that chair into shock and denial.
This is a moment that she will remember with grief when she’s very, very old.
Oh, I’m sorry to sound so gloomy…but you did ask ;)
Then again, maybe she’s just barely literate and that serious letter-gripping is because it it taking all her concentration to make out what the letter says… ;)
I agree with your first comment, Lisa Laree. The letter seems to bear bad news, perhaps from the father (or about the father) of her child?
The writer in me is spouting off tragic tale of wartime tragedy or young lovers cruely separted by heartless parents.
She’s pregnant and the letter is from her husband, who’s a soldier. She’s just found out that he won’t come home before the baby is born. Sad news, but not devastating.
And, from the non-romantic in the group, I say…
Yep – she’s pregnant, big time.
And I think she’s gripping that letter and holding it that close because – she doesn’t see well.
She is young and pregnant and a relatively new housewife learning to manage the household accounts. Her ledger is on the table and she is reading the grocer’s bill and wondering how they go through so many candles in one month.
Actually, the clothes for this history period would indicate indoor wear for a pregnant woman in most of Europe. I can’t really see a facial expression well enough to give a story, sorry.
She is very pregnant and I would say surprised or shocked by what she is looking at. Perhaps her mid-wife sketched out an ultrasound pic for her, this is circa 1663 right?
“Dear Madam:
Our records indicate that you are seriously past due on your Vogue subscription. Please remit payment immediately to avoid interruption of your service.
Anna Wintour
Editor-in-Chief, Vogue”
she just bought a new table from Ikea. She is studying the instructions.
This painting made me feel very nostalgic. I think she is pregnant and perhaps is reading a letter from her family, who live far away. (I am projecting because I remember missing all the women in my family when I became pregnant with my son.) She doesn’t look sad to me, just a little wistful; like she is missing someone.
I *adore* Vermeer. In fact, I have one of his pictures in my bedroom (The Lacemaker). His paintings always seem so calm and serene. IMHO, he really is *the* painter of light.
As for this particular picture, the thing on the wall behind her looks like a map, and Holland was a seafaring nation was it not? So perhaps the letter is from her sailor husband who has been away on a voyage.