Lady Writing a Letter

Albert Edelfelt (1854 - 1905)

Artist/Maker

Artist: Albert Edelfelt (1854 - 1905)

DatesSigned: Signed 1887

Material / Technique

Oil on wood

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 29 x 37 cm h x w x d: Ram 44 x 52 x 6 cm

Inventory numberNM 2653

AcqusitionGift 1927 Lawyer E Heijne

Other titlesTitle (sv): Dam som skriver brev Title (en): Lady Writing a Letter

DescriptionDescription: Albert Edelfelt arrived in Paris as early as 1874. He found it easy to make friends and mixed with several of the greatest names of the day. Edelfelt was a skilful history painter but in Paris he liked to paint elegant scenes from bourgeois life like this one. Even though this is an interior, the light plays an important role and the artist has made a close study of how it falls in the room. Note the envelope in the woman’s hand, which the light pervades so that it becomes transparent.

Motif categoryPortrait

Collection

Paintings (Paintings)

MaterialOil paint, Wood

TechniquePainting

Keyword

Porträtt

External links

Wikidata: http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q18599428

Additional texteDescription: This small painting by Edelfelt is a reminder of the central importance of hand-written letters and the writing desk in the bourgeois household. The glass inkwell on the table is open and the woman seems to be replying to a newly-opened letter, careful not to keep the sender waiting. A technically exquisite detail is the envelope in her hand, or, more specifically, how it appears translucent in the light.