Bartolome Esteban Murillo’s painting, Two Women at a Window, created between 1665 and 1675, is regarded as one of his most famous and celebrated works. The painting can be found in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. It is an example of genre art style that depicts two young women standing by an open window, with a dark background behind them. The image is so powerful that it has been engraved several times during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The painting suggests a story about the two specific women; however, it also speaks to the two sides all women have. When one looks at the artwork, it portrays the two women engaging in relatively normal activities such as holding hands, looking outside through a windowpane into a bright light – this could be interpreted as their view on life or even what they aspire to achieve. While Murillo was known for his religious works and depictions of everyday life, Two Women at a Window stands out due to its powerful message.
Even though Two Women at a Window is believed to be genre art style originally more focused on lower scenes of ordinary people’s daily life meant for middle-class patrons; it has become much more considerable today than when revealed in Spain during the second half of XVII centuries. It is widely beloved now for how the composition elevates other paintings composed within Baroque aesthetics in contrast to reality since figures are brought up closer together towards us while still showing depth between them with just some loose brushwork – showcasing excellent spatial awareness from Murillo himself.
