Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid (detail)
by VERMEER, Johannes, Oil on canvas
Tthe mistress inclines dynamically on her left forearm. Her compositional placement thrusts her against the compressed space on the right side of the canvas. Strong light outlines the writing arm against the shaded wall, reflecting in angular planes from the blouse that contrast abruptly with the regimented folds of the maid’s costume.