\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 The perfect oval of the girlÆs face in this painting is illuminated by the light in the foreground and framed by the window
with its open shutter of solid wood. The wall of the house is enlivened by a peach tree that forms a splendid setting with its ripe, untouched, velvety fruit. The tree looks like it is naturally and gently embracing a young and equally delightful girl.
Using his great mimetic skill, the artist is able to capture the simplicity of the girlÆs dress with its subdued pattern of white and brown, the splendid form of her hat and the softness of both her pose and the cushion covered with an elaborately deco
rated fabric upon which she rests her arms. Above all, though, he succeeds in conveying the girlÆs mood. The character of the image seems to allude to the girlÆs dream world, which the light, an indiscreet witness, reveals to the observer. The open wi
ndow through which the girl is gazing is a further invitation to peer into her private world.
