Formal Analysis Essay “Woman Holding a Balance”
I. This is a religious piece of art.
A. The painting in the background, “The Last Judgement” by Jacob de Backer, depicts Jesus Christ in heaven with extended arms.
B. The pregnant woman in the image adds a sense of holiness to the viewer.
C. The empty balance that the woman is looking at and holding symbolizes the pursuit and maintenance of a balanced life, which will ultimately determine one’s final judgement.
II. It is a realistic image.
A.
The woman depicted in this piece is presented in a genuine and natural manner. The image is portrayed without any exaggeration or distortions, showcasing an authentic human existence in the real world. The focal point of the artwork is the woman herself. Vermeer achieves this emphasis through the manipulation of shape and intensification of color. Additionally, the artist utilizes light to guide the viewer’s attention towards the woman and her pregnant belly. Contrastingly, the rest of the image is shaded in darker tones.
Vermeer uses a low contrast pattern with dark colors in the image to create a sense of holiness around the woman portrayed. He places her strategically under a shining light, utilizing implied lines formed by the triangular shape of sunlight entering through the window to highlight her. The triangle begins at the window and leads straight to the pregnant woman holding the balance. Furthermore, there is a psychological connection between the woman’s eyes and the balance she holds in her right hand.
E. The woman’s right hand directs attention to her pregnant belly, behind her left hand. V. Vermeer uses atmospheric perspective in this artwork. A. Color is used by the artist to show depth in the painting. B. The foreground is lighter than the background. C. Objects in the center and front have more detail compared to those behind the woman. D. Shape highlights the woman, including using a frame surrounding her face as part of the painting’s background.
The triangular shape of the shining light is also used in creating the atmospheric perspective of the image. VI. This work creates peace and tranquility in the viewer. A. The colors used by the artist and the expression on the woman’s face send out a feeling of harmony. B. The woman is pregnant, which is a period of tranquility and joy in a woman’s life, which also creates a sense of hope. C. The woman looks relaxed and at peace, almost holy. D. The shining light upon her gives her and her pregnant belly provides a sense of holiness.
