Woman Holding a Balance: An Analysis, Essay Example

The shown painting is a composition by Johannes Vermeer, entitled ‘Woman Holding a Balance’ and was created in the year 1664 (www.nga.gov). The painting now lies at the National Gallery of Art and is part of the Widener Collection at Washington D.C. It is an oil painting on canvas which is 15-7/8 inches in length and 14 inches in width (www.essentialvermeer.com).

The painting depicts a woman, most probably belonging to the medieval era, in a calm and composed pose. She seems to be pondering over some thoughts while engaged in the activity of weighing her jewelry. The large blue drape which seems to have fallen from the window obscures the items lying on the table and imparts an aura of mystery and suspense for the beholder. One can make out a string of pearls and some gold ornaments lying on top of the table. The table itself seems to be a heavy stone structure with an artistically designed base. The light from the window accentuates the lady’s features and her tunic as well as part of her long skirt. From her body conformations it appears that she is pregnant. The large painting shows a number of people engaged in various activities and being overlooked from the sky by what appears to be some celestial power representing God.

The artist has succeeded in keeping the focus on the balance in the hand of the woman which occupies the centre space in the painting. Excellent use of colors and shading show the fingers of the woman which have been highlighted to attract the viewer’s attention. Although a simplistic interpretation might point to the fact that she is engaged in weighing her jewelry, but the painting behind her and her countenance impart a much deeper meaning when one analysis the whole scene. She seems to possess almost a philosophical expression which shows that she compares the balancing act of the instrument in her hand to that of a desirable balance in real life. Her composure and expression suggest a feeling of complete satisfaction and peace from within, with no deficiency in her life.

The black and white floor texture imparts a mysterious aura to the room and suggests that it might be a part of a huge mansion belonging to the woman shown in the painting. The walls as well as the floor have been imparted a hue which shows that the mansion is an old one as the paint and shine are not too brilliant. There are shades of fading paint on the wall and the floor immediately under the table is not as clean as the portion behind the lady.

Although the illumination from the light coming through the window has accentuated certain sections of the room as well as the lady, the reflections are not true if one tries to interpret them scientifically. The immediate shadow below the window through which the light percolates into the room cannot be explained as there is no intervening object which could have been responsible for the shadow. One can also make out that there is a mirror facing the woman, although she is not looking at her reflection. This shows that she is preoccupied with her thoughts and her mind is far away from the actual situation, wandering amidst her memories of life.

According to an expert art critic, the painting symbolizes a contrast between the valuables lying on the table and the painting on the far wall, which depicts the ‘Last Judgment’ and the scales in the woman’s hand too depict judgment itself, and provoke the onlooker to realize the importance of living moderately to achieve salvation instead of being attracted to earthly goods (Vergara, 2003). According to Vergara, a meaning is imparted to the painting by the sheer contrast between the various objects which have been painted so skillfully by the renowned painter. The woman in the painting is depicted as an epitome of the true principles according to which life should be led. The painting follows a strict geometrical guideline which shows interplay of horizontal and vertical lines intersected by the diagonal rays of light falling from the window. The scales occupy the central position and the ‘orthogonal lines to the vanishing point meet precisely at the woman’s fingers’ (www.nga.gov).

The painting serves to stimulate the viewer’s senses in terms of attaining a perfect balance in life which involves elements of spirituality as well as worldly feelings. Divine intervention depicting the ‘The Last Judgment’ as depicted by the painting on the wall as well as the scales in the woman’s hand serve to reinforce the importance of achieving stability in one’s life which is essential for earthly existence.

Works Cited

…understanding “Woman Holding a Balance “, online article accessed Dec. 21, 2009 at: http://www.essentialvermeer.com/cat_about/balance.html

Vergara, A. (2003) Vermier and the Dutch Interior, online article accessed Dec. 21, 2009 at: http://www.essentialvermeer.com/cat_about/balance.html

Vermier – A Moment Captured, online article accessed Dec. 21, 2009 at: http://www.nga.gov/feature/vermeer/moment1.shtm