Art Analysis: Woman Holding a Balance

Woman Holding a Balance was painted by Johannes Vermeer in 1664, and now sits on display in the National Gallery of Art ("Woman Holding a Balance"). I have spent a great amount of time observing this painting for the last year, and though it seems simple, I find the picture to be quite meaningful. I believe it belongs on a small, wooden wall in a dim-lit room to fully exemplify the peace that the painting expresses.

One of the first elements that I notice about this painting is its profound use of color. The yellow of the woman's dress matches the curtain in the top left and the painting behind her. The blue in her coat compliments the body of blue on the table. Vermeer's expression of yellows and blues seems to suggest balance in this piece of art, which presumably connects to the actual balance in the woman's hand. 

Value is another strong component in this piece of art, and Vermeer has used it to create the essence of light and darkness in this painting. While most of the room is dimmed by shadows, it is clear that this woman is standing in the light of the window. The audience is drawn to the light on her face, which gives a serene expression and carries the emotion of the whole painting. I also cannot help but notice that the shadow on her head covering seems to be in the shape of a hand, meaning that Vermeer has used value not only to create shadows, but also to create meaningful shapes within shadows. 

While color and value are used more than line to create depth in this picture, line is still used to express structure and shape ("The Visual Elements"). At close observance, there seem to be two imaginary lines that come from each corner and cross at the woman's hand. Everything in the picture comes to a vanishing point at the tips of her fingers, which draws the audience's attention to her delicate, peaceful poise. 

Sources

“Woman Holding a Balance.” Art Object Page, https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.1236.html.

“The Visual Elements.” Artyfactory, www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/visual-elements/visual-elements.html.

My Introduction

Hey everyone, 

My name is Sophia Martin. I just finished my junior year in high school, and I am attempting to graduate with my Associate of Arts Degree. I originally come from Prince of Wales Island, which is down in Southeast Alaska. My family of 6 moved up to Palmer a few years ago to foster our 4 cousins, and all of them have gone back to their parents as of last week, which is very exciting for us. Aside from all that, however, I love music and animals, the two things I spend my time with when I'm not working or doing school. 

Music is my art. I do like to draw and dabble around with photography, but I'm definitely closest with music. My absolute favorite thing to do is write songs, and I write as many as I can when I have the time. There is something so beautiful in the coming together of lyrics and melodies, and even people. There are not many moments in life quite like those when people are brought together through music. I believe it is an art, and a treasure. 

This picture is from the Spencer Museum of Art. I love the simplicity of the drawing and it reminds me of myself, because I love to play piano at night with my dog lying next to me. 

For the comments section, if anybody wants to respond, I want to know why you are taking Art 200 and what other classes you are taking this summer?