This painting offers a full-figure female portrait, skillfully portraying a woman in a contemplative moment. The subject is seated at an angle in front of a small table, upon which lies an open book, her focus captured by its contents. In her right hand, she delicately holds a small white flower, an elegant detail that adds a touch of grace to the scene.

The woman is adorned in a flowing white dress that not only adds a sense of dynamism to the composition but also serves to create a striking contrast with the darker background of the room's interior. This contrast subtly places the figure at the center of visual interest. The room itself is predominantly rendered in warm, dark hues, evoking a sense of intimacy and calm. The artist's attention to small decorative details authentically enhances the foreground without overpowering the central subject.

Details:
Artist: (Attributed) Ernst Anders
Title: ''Reading a Book''
Medium: Oil on panel
Dimensions: Sight 31 x 24 cm; frame: 39 x 32 cm
Condition Report: The frame displays signs of wear, but the painting is in overall good condition
Signature: Located in the lower right corner

About the artist:
Ernst Anders (March 26, 1845 - 1911) was a distinguished German portrait and genre painter. He embarked on his artistic journey by studying privately under the guidance of notable figures such as the engraver Ludwig Heitland and Andreas Müller in Düsseldorf. Later, he continued his studies at the Düsseldorf Academy, honing his skills under the tutelage of accomplished artists like Carl Müller, Rudolf Wiegmann, and Heinrich Mücke. He also benefited from the instruction of prominent instructors, including Carl Ferdinand Sohn and Julius Roeting.

Ernst Anders' oeuvre encompassed both genre scenes and portraits, and he earned a living primarily through portrait commissions. His skillful hand in portraiture is evident through works housed in notable institutions like the Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf and the artist association Malkasten. Additionally, the Cologne City Museum preserves his portrait of Major von Gemmingen-Hornberg from 1892. Ernst Anders was an esteemed member of the artist association Malkasten, contributing to the rich tapestry of German art during his time.