Making a Girl Read a Letter at an Open Window

2014-24 / single-channel video / 2'46" (cont. loop) / 16mm + hd / colour / silent

Synopsis

Preparations are onderway to recreate Vermeer's Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window on film. The table rug is given the proper colour blue, the peaches are painted, the titular girl is being instructed and a complicated lighting scheme is set up right outside the open window. However, these preparations are never concluded as each movement hints towards a progression that never actually materialises.

First part of the Making Of video series.

Screenings

• Framing Vermeer @ Prinsenhof Museum Delft. 2015

Technical specs

Available as digital file.

Credits

Commissioned by Menno Otten. 16mm photography by Elisa M Grasso.