Woman Holding a Balance

Woman Holding a Balance by Johannes Vermeer

Woman Holding a Balance, painted by Johannes Vermeer in 1663, is an exemplary work of the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing Vermeer's mastery in the use of light and composition. This oil on canvas painting depicts a serene domestic scene, where a woman delicately holds a balance, symbolizing themes of judgment and equilibrium. The work is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and the subtle interplay of light and shadow, which are hallmarks of Vermeer's style.

Vermeer, born in Delft in 1632, was a relatively obscure figure during his lifetime, with only a small number of paintings attributed to him. His work gained significant recognition in the 19th century, leading to his current status as one of the most revered artists of the Baroque period. Woman Holding a Balance is often interpreted as a reflection on the moral and spiritual balance in life, a theme that resonates with the broader cultural and religious context of 17th-century Netherlands.

"Woman Holding a Balance" by Johannes Vermeer, created in 1663, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's mastery of light and composition in the Dutch Baroque style. The work, housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., depicts a serene woman contemplating a balance, symbolizing themes of judgment and equilibrium.