I got into a bit of a bidding war over this painting despite the fact that I have no clue who the artist is. It's signed what appears to be Louis "a" or "e." At any rate, what I love about this painting is the deep serenity of the reader, that atmosphere of peace you sometimes see in a Vermeer. Simple volumes and a limited palette, with a touch of Modernist flatness. Frame has a couple of minor flaws on the inner rabbet, but not enough that I'd reframe it if it were mine. Save the $400! 30" x 24" with frame, 24" x 18" without.