Before and after restoration in 2021 X-ray

Before and after restoration in 2021
X-ray examination of the painting in the 21st century revealed an image



 on the wall behind the girl. Further work by conservator Christoph Schölzel in 2017 revealed that varnish on that part of the painting differed from the rest of the painting, and was clearly applied after Vermeer died. In 2019, it was decided by the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (State Arts Collection in Dresden) to restore the painting to its original composition by Vermeer. The painting of Cupid on the wall behind the girl resembles a painting from Vermeer’s own collection of art, a painting by Cesar van Everdingen.
The restoration provides an opportunity to reconsider the painting. The painting of Cupid on the wall may suggest that the girl is reading a love letter. Stephan Koja, director of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery), said in a statement that “Beyond the superficially amorous context, it is a fundamental statement about the essence of true love.

”Girl Reading a (Love) Letter at an Open Window, ca. 1657-59 by Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, baptised on 31 October 1632
– December 15, 1675)
Oil on canvas
83 cm × 64.5 cm (33 in × 25.4 in)
Gemäldegalerie, Dresden

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