Young Woman with a Water Pitcher

Young Woman with a Water Pitcher is a masterful oil on canvas painting created by Johannes Vermeer between 1657 and 1667. This intimate genre scene exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age focus on domestic life and the detailed observation of light. Executed with Vermeer's signature precision, the technique involves subtle layering to capture the varied textures of the objects within the setting.

The subject is a young woman standing in a corner of a sunlit interior, poised as she prepares to pour water from a highly polished metal pitcher into a basin resting on a table. She wears a distinctive yellow bodice and a clean, starched white cap, elements which highlight her domestic role. The moment captured is quiet and reflective, illuminated by light streaming from an unseen window to the left.

The setting is meticulously detailed, reflecting the prosperity of 17th-century Delft. Prominently featured on the background wall is a large map of the Netherlands, a popular status symbol indicating wealth, education, and the nation’s extensive involvement in global trade. Vermeer’s brilliant handling of natural light illuminates the figure and creates striking highlights on the polished silver pitcher and the rich textiles draped over the table.

This focus on light, domesticity, and everyday interiors defines the aesthetic of the period. The painting resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is considered a cornerstone of the museum's Dutch holdings. As a celebrated masterwork, the canvas is now considered part of the public domain, making high-quality reference images and academic prints widely accessible for study.