American printmaker Minna Citron’s works from the 1930s and early 1940s frequently depict urban life in New York City, with special attention given to the experiences of women. In this etching, she portrayed a woman reading with a wistful expression on her face. The setting is ambiguous, with the background composed of patterns of etched lines and tonal areas created through the use of aquatint. In embracing the material effects of these techniques to eliminate signs of the urban landscape, Citron emphasized the emotional state of the female figure over her environment.