Albert EdelfeltFinnish, 1854–1905Lady Writing a Letter
May one see it?
Unknown
Stockholm, Sweden
The owner is known; whether it is on view today is not.
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
This small painting by Edelfelt is a reminder of the central importance of hand-written letters and the writing desk in the bourgeois household. The glass inkwell on the table is open and the woman seems to be replying to a newly-opened letter, careful not to keep the sender waiting. A technically exquisite detail is the envelope in her hand, or, more specifically, how it appears translucent in the light.
Nationalmuseum
Particulars
In the catalog
Sources
- Nationalmuseum
- Image: Nationalmuseum — Public Domain Mark 1.0
Meanwhile, in the life of Albert Edelfelt
The whole life1886
The Pasteur portrait triumphs at the Paris Salon
The portrait of Pasteur in his laboratory, painted in 1885 with the scientist — who had a good sense of public relations — helping to plan it, was a great success at the Salon of 1886 and became one of the most familiar images of him. It earned the painter the Legion of Honour.
1886 · Award
Knight of the Legion of Honour
1888
Marries Baroness Ellan de la Chapelle
Edelfelt married Baroness Anna Elise “Ellan” de la Chapelle; they had known each other since childhood, but their marriage had little warmth.
23 November 1888
Son born: Erik Edelfelt
1889 · Award
Officer of the Legion of Honour
