This warm-toned black and white photograph depicts a nude woman seated on the floor, reading a book. She makes her own room to read, seated in a hallway, without furniture. Her demeanor is rebellious, with one foot higher than her head, displaying a pair of high-heeled shoes, with three chrome spikes on the back of each. The white shoes are prominent in the darkened room and her assertive posture makes them more so. Her raised leg creates a strong diagonal amidst a background of vertical lines. A highlight on the edge of her leg helps it stand out.
Dark tones dominate the square composition. Light appears to come through an open doorway, as she reclines against the doorframe. Outside, the hazy glow seems to be of early morning or late afternoon. Reflections hit the baseboards and floor, in line with her lower foot and her hips.
Although the view out the two window pains and the doorway at the left edge are large and bright, the viewer is enticed to hunt for details in her facial features. Its natural to disregard these larger rectangular structures and explore the organic forms.
The sky is darkened and full of moody clouds. A balcony indicates a loft location. The woodgrain floor of an efficiency apartment is a further clue of a modest abode in a choice location.
