The love letter

From the series One hundred masterpieces
The Love Letter Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675), oil on canvas, c. 1669–1670

Vermeer gives a lot of clues in this painting like the musical instrument and the painting behind the two women. But what do they tell us?

More Vermeer

Would you like to see the paintings in real life? Then come and see the largest Vermeer exhibition ever! From 10 February to 4 June 2023 at the Rijksmuseum.

More about the exhibition
The Milkmaid The Milkmaid

The Milkmaid

1:20 min. - The milk seems to be streaming from the pitcher. How did Vermeer do this?

View of Houses in Delft, Known as ‘The Little Street’ View of Houses in Delft, Known as ‘The Little Street’

View of Houses in Delft, Known as ‘The Little Street’

1:25 min. - So much affection and precision for an ordinary street

Woman Reading a Letter Woman Reading a Letter

Woman Reading a Letter

1:23 min. - Notice the many shades of blue that Vermeer used

The Love Letter The Love Letter

The love letter

1:00 min. - What makes this letter a love letter?