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Samantha Wingard

Professor James Craig

Art 103 Section 04

November 17, 2022

Woman in the Balance

Opening

I visited the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. on October 12,

2022, on the field trip offered to us. My day in D.C. experiencing the capital and

the venue was exciting. I enjoyed the overall artsy and creative feel of the National

Gallery. It had beautiful fountains when you entered, and I could hear the water

splashing. The ambiance was inviting and intriguing. I was excited to continue

through the gallery and see the art.

Each section of the museum had a specific artistic style and genre. There

were sections with beautiful sculptures that I could view all the way around, and

every type of painting I could imagine. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many

people standing in awe in front of the artwork, as that is something I have not

experienced before. Having more knowledge of art due to this class, I feel I could

better appreciate the pieces of artwork. Standing alongside someone I don’t even

know, and the only thing we have in common it seemed was taking in the artwork,

pondering on what it means to us, was an experience I am thankful I got to have.

There was an exhibit titled “Vermeer’s Secrets” with many beautiful pieces, and I
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chose a painting from that exhibit, “Woman and the Balance” by Johannes

Vermeer.

Body

Johannes Vermeer’s “Woman and the Balance” was created during the

Baroque era in 1662, also known as the Dutch Golden Age. The dimensions of the

painting are 1′ 5″ x 1′ 3″ and its medium is oil paint on canvas. The work

represents harmony through a very balanced composition. Vermeer used

chiaroscuro to show areas of light and areas in dark in a very direct setting. The

painting draws you in as if you were experiencing the moment with her.

“Woman and the Balance” was created during the Baroque era, during

which was part of the Catholic church’s “last gasp”. This era experienced the

beginning of the protestant movement and the beginning of modern art in both

style and taste. While there is still some sense of religion through the painting in

the back, “The Last Judgement”, and the symbolism, I feel it is mostly a painting

with a deep meaning through symbolism.

When first looking at the painting, I could not help but be drawn into her

hand holding the scale. Immediately making me think of balance or weighing out

her options. This painting consists of a woman sitting at a desk or a vanity,

appearing to be pregnant. There is a mirror across from her, and a religious

painting behind her, representing judgement from God.

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She is looking down at the scale, with a slight smile or smirk on her face.

Scattered throughout her desk is a rich blue cloth with riches consisting of pearls

and gold coins. She is wearing a dark teal shawl with white fur along the edges.

The light shines directly down onto her calm, smiling face creating light on the

front top of her body and stomach. The use of chiaroscuro adds to the dramatic,

elegant feel of the painting.

I feel the artist was trying to portray a common issue many people during

that era faced, and that we still face today. The woman seems to be appreciating all

her riches; however, I feel the “The Last Judgement” in the background and the

scale play a huge part in the symbolism of the painting. This was not far from a

time where it was “nice to have nice things” but that religion was still of

importance.

She seems to be in the process of trying to find balance through wanting to

have nice things, but knowing it is not the most important thing. The painting in

the background is very leading to the idea of salvation. Perhaps she is realizing that

all the riches in the world will not obtain you forgiveness from God. She may be

realizing that we need to live a life of balance between what we want and what we

know is right, living a life of modesty and humility rather than allowing our

worldly desires to be of the most importance.

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I really enjoy this painting and I think Vermeer very successful in portraying

a message that anyone can relate to. It is very balanced, both in composition and

meaning. It is a beautiful piece of work that I feel anyone can appreciate in one

way or another.

Naturally, I enjoy pearls and jewelry, and I want to have nice things in life

so that appealed to me initially. I was also attracted to the symbolism and what the

painting meant to me. I sometimes feel guilty for wanting nice things and compare

myself to others. This painting reminded me of how important balance is and

living a life that I am proud of. I can have nice things, but at the end of the day, its

who I am that is important.

Closing

I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the museum and in the capital. It was an

experience I was grateful to have. I am glad I was able to witness in person so

many different pieces. “Woman and the Balance” was an unforgettable work of art

to me. The underlying meaning and symbolism of balancing our wants and being

humble and a good person, is something that I can relate to. It prompted a lot of

self-reflection. I appreciated that it made me think and continue to do so.

Works Cited

National Gallery of Art

Notes from Intro to Visual Art lectures

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