The artwork entitled “Woman Reading (The Artist’s Wife)” is a creation by the artist Aaron Shikler from the year 1962. It is a pastel piece, measuring 50.8 x 44.5 cm, and it is associated with the New Realism art movement. The genre of the artwork is classified as both a portrait and a genre painting.
The artwork depicts a scene of intimacy and quiet reflection, showcasing a woman engrossed in reading. The subject, identified as the artist’s wife, is rendered with a gentle touch that captures her absorbed state. She is seated at a table, bending forward with her elbow resting on the surface and her chin supported by her hand. The pages of the open book in front of her are discernibly filled with text, indicating active reading or study.
Her attire, a golden-hued garment, warmly contrasts with the cool, bluish backdrop, suggesting an interior setting. The soft pastel technique used by Shikler creates a textural depth and a subtle interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the sense of a personal, serene moment. The careful composition and balanced use of color contribute to the overall tranquility and emotive resonance of the piece.
