
Two Women at a Window
A hand-painted replica of Bartolomé Estebán Murillo’s masterpiece Two Women at a Window, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Two Women at a Window is a painting by the Spanish Baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, created around 1655–1660. The work is an oil on canvas and is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., United States. It is considered one of Murillo's most notable genre paintings, showcasing his skill in depicting everyday life with a sense of realism and charm.
The painting portrays two women leaning out of a window. One of the women, possibly younger, gazes directly at the viewer with a playful smile, while the other, older woman, partially hides her face behind a veil, adding an air of mystery. The younger woman’s expression and posture suggest a sense of flirtation or lightheartedness, while the older woman’s concealed face has been interpreted as a gesture of modesty or discretion. The figures are dressed in simple yet elegant clothing, reflecting the fashion of 17th-century Spain.
Murillo’s use of light and shadow in this painting is particularly striking. The figures are illuminated by a soft, natural light that enhances the textures of their clothing and the subtle expressions on their faces. The dark background contrasts sharply with the brightly lit figures, drawing the viewer’s attention to the women and the window frame. This technique, known as tenebrism, was commonly employed by Baroque artists to create dramatic effects.
The painting is often praised for its ability to capture a moment of human interaction with warmth and immediacy. Unlike many of Murillo’s religious works, which dominate his oeuvre, Two Women at a Window belongs to the genre of costumbrismo, focusing on scenes of everyday life. This genre was popular in Spain during the 17th century and allowed artists to explore themes of social interaction and human behavior.
The identities of the women in the painting are unknown, and there is no definitive evidence regarding their social status or relationship to one another. Some art historians have noted that the composition and subject matter bear similarities to other works by Murillo that depict women in domestic or social settings, suggesting a thematic interest in the lives of ordinary people.
Two Women at a Window remains a celebrated example of Murillo’s ability to blend technical mastery with a deep sensitivity to human emotion and character. The painting continues to attract attention for its engaging depiction of a seemingly simple yet evocative moment.