Composition and Setting

The painting depicts a young woman standing in a dimly lit room, gently holding a balance in her right hand. She is dressed in a blue morning jacket trimmed with white fur, and her white cap frames her serene face. The scene is illuminated by soft, diffused sunlight entering through a small window covered by a yellow curtain, which adds a warm glow to the room.

Symbolism and Themes

• Balance and Judgment: The woman is waiting for the balance to come to rest, symbolizing the act of weighing and judging. This is mirrored by the painting of 'The Last Judgment' behind her, where Christ is depicted judging the living and the dead. This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between temporal and eternal judgments.
• Vanitas: The table in front of the woman is adorned with jewelry, pearls, and coins, which represent worldly treasures. However, the empty pans of the balance suggest that she is weighing spiritual rather than material considerations, emphasizing the transitory nature of earthly goods and the importance of moderation.
• Mirror and Self-Knowledge: A mirror on the wall opposite the woman serves as a symbol of self-knowledge and introspection, encouraging the viewer to reflect on their actions and choices.

Artistic Technique

Vermeer's mastery of light and color is evident in this painting. The use of filtered light through the yellow curtain, the colored shadows on the wall, and the subtle folds in the woman's clothing all contribute to the serene and dreamlike atmosphere of the scene. The painting also showcases Vermeer’s attention to detail, such as the different colors used for the wall and the reflection of the curtain.

Interpretation

The painting is often seen as an allegory for living a balanced and moderate life. The woman's serene expression and the overall composition convey a sense of equilibrium and self-awareness. The work suggests that one should weigh spiritual considerations over material ones and live a life of temperance and balanced judgment.

Speculations and Details

There has been speculation about whether the woman might be pregnant, based on the profile of her skirt, although this is not definitively proven. The painting was previously known as 'The Goldweigher' or 'Girl Weighing Pearls,' but microscopic analysis has revealed that the pans of the balance are empty, further reinforcing the spiritual interpretation of the work.