Artwork

The Letter

The Letter, by József Borsos, oil, 1852
The Letter, by József Borsos, oil, 1852

The Letter is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist József Borsos. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

The Letter is a 1852 oil painting by József Borsos, a Hungarian artist known for portraits and genre scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman in a white dress with blue accents, seated and reading a letter, conveying a somber mood through her downward gaze and the dark background.

Technique & Style

Borsos's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the woman and her letter, while his detailed rendering of textures and folds adds depth to the scene.

History & Provenance

Created as part of the Biedermeier movement, The Letter is now held in the Hungarian National Gallery.

Artist & collection

Portrait of József Borsos

Artist

József Borsos

Jozsef Borsos (21 December 1821, in Veszprém – 19 August 1883, in Budapest) was a Hungarian portrait painter and photographer; best known for his genre paintings in the Biedermeier style.