An old woman standing by a window 1885

Vilhelm Hammershøi created this subdued painting, *An old woman standing by a window*, with oil paint. The texture is smooth, as Hammershøi meticulously blended the pigments on the canvas. Look closely and you’ll see how he skillfully created subtle gradations of light and shadow. The limited palette and soft brushwork give the image a quiet, contemplative mood. In the 19th century, artists typically ground their own pigments and mixed their paints. This was laborious and time-consuming. Hammershøi’s choice of muted tones also reflects the aesthetic preferences of the period, which favored understated elegance. The painting suggests a story of everyday life, a woman looking out the window. It’s a scene that speaks to the human condition, regardless of class or background. Hammershøi was certainly not alone in depicting domestic scenes, but his emphasis on subtle tones and the quiet dignity of the everyday elevates this work beyond mere genre painting. By focusing on materials and method, we appreciate how it conveys emotions and ideas.