The Woman with a Balance
- Original dimensions
- 38 x 42.5 cm
- Movement
- Dutch Golden Age
- Museum
- National Gallery of Art
- Year
- 1665
Scene depicted
This painting offers a poignant vision of a woman holding a balance, symbolizing the equilibrium between appearance and reality. In a room bathed in light, she weighs a delicate piece of gold against the beauty of her jewelry. The presence of a window offering a view of translucent sheets emphasizes the depth of this composition, where the everyday transforms into art.
Historical context
Created in 1665, in the charming city of Delft, this flagship work is emblematic of the Dutch Golden Age of painting. The Woman with a Balance rises at the heart of a rich cultural context, where the intimacy of domestic scenes is brought to light. Currently, this painting is displayed at the National Gallery of Art , a sanctuary for art lovers. Its delicate dimensions, 38 x 42.5 cm, testify to the intimacy of Vermeer's works.
Place in the artist's career
The Woman with a Balance stands at the pinnacle of Vermeer’s career, marking a period of maturity. It dialogues with other iconic works such as The Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Lacemaker, each revealing, in their own way, the technical and emotional evolution of this masterful artist.
Anecdote
“A soft light reveals hidden truths,” said Vermeer. That morning in Delft, a peaceful atmosphere reigned, and the light gently entered his studio, brushing against the canvas. The Woman with a Balance is a reflection of this inspiration; a meeting between art and reality, where every detail whispers the truth of life.
Major exhibitions
Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting