Rafael Griera Calderon - Portrait of a Lady at a Window

Female figures have been painted by windows countless times in art history, the most famous of which being Johannes Vermeer'sGirl Reading a Letter at an Open Window(1657-59) by Johannes Vermeer. In this Dutch Golden Age masterpiece and many others, the window is considered as a symbol for the woman's desire to leave the domestic sphere. The beautifully handled light in this painting certainly brings a tone of optimism, particularly as it shines on the woman's face. Painted in subdued, gentle hues of sepia and pink, this piece has an air of nostalgia, and perhaps hope.

Born in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in 1934, Rafael Griera Calderon spent most of his early life living in Olot, where his father owned a religious imagery workshop. It was here that the Griera sparked his interest in art and developed his artistic skill. Winning his first art prize at the impressive age of twelve, the artist went on to become part of the group Cràter d'Art as a young man. Strongly influenced by Anglada Camarassa, who he met early in his career whilst serving in the military in Palma de Mallorca, Griera frequently paints female figures, as well as interior scenes and landscapes of his native Spain.

Artist Name:Rafael Griera Calderón (b. 1934)