Reading

"Reading" depicts a young woman sitting on a terrace, relaxed, and focused on the book she is holding. The model's name is Maria Laura, and she is also the subject of Almeida Junior's other works, like "A Noiva" (The Bride), "A Pintura" (To Painting), and possibly "O Importuno" (The Inopportune). Maria's husband stabbed Almeida Junior to death on November 13, 1899, in front of the Hotel Central de Piracicaba after discovering that Maria Laura and Almeida had a deep loving connection for many years. "Reading" is exquisitely detailed, showing every texture, the shade of the sky as the sun sets on the horizon, and the light reflecting on Maria's face. The expert skills with which Almeida Junior captures the scene with the empty chair on the terrace next to his subject and how he brings out the subtle patterns in the foliage and architecture are why he is considered one of the most valued realism painters of his time.