Artwork
Margaretha van Haexbergen (1614–1676)
Margaretha van Haexbergen (1614–1676) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerard ter Borch. It dates from 1666 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
A woman in a dark dress stands in a dim room, one hand on a red velvet chair. A white collar and cap show beneath her black hood, and the plain dark background holds all the focus on her. The chair's bright red is the one strong color in the muted scene. Painted by Gerard ter Borch in 1666.
Subject & Meaning
The work is a 1666 oil portrait by Gerard ter Borch that shows Margaretha van Haexbergen seated in a chair.
The work is a 1666 oil portrait by Gerard ter Borch that shows Margaretha van Haexbergen seated in a chair. As a portrait from the Dutch Republic, the composition follows the conventions of formal likenesses used to record a married woman's presence in her family and social circle. The painting is classified as a portrait genre piece, and the sources note only the subject's gender and seated posture, without specifying additional symbolic elements.
Consequently, the image functions primarily as a visual documentation of Margaretha's status within her household, rendered through the standard practices of 17th‑century portraiture.
Context
The 1666 oil portrait of Margaretha van Haexbergen, attributed to Gerard ter Borch, exemplifies Dutch Golden Age portraiture through its formal composition, modest scale (81.3 × 65.1 cm), and depiction of a seated woman beside a chair. Its inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rijksmuseum collections, together with documented ownership by Robert Lehman, situates the work within both institutional and private provenance histories. Scholarship on ter Borch’s oeuvre frequently references this painting as a key example of his mature portrait style, highlighting its contribution to the development of mid‑17th‑century Dutch portrait conventions and its relevance to the broader study of elite domestic imagery in the period.
Overview
Gerard ter Borch's 1666 oil painting depicts Margaretha van Haexbergen. This work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age artist's skill in portraiture, often set within intimate domestic interiors. The painting captures the sitter in a composed manner, showcasing Ter Borch's characteristic attention to detail and subtle psychological portrayal. It is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Technique & Style
Ter Borch's refined technique is evident in the subtle rendering of light and texture, particularly in the contrast between the muted tones of the interior and the striking red of the chair. He masterfully directs attention to the figure through a simple yet effective composition, allowing the viewer to focus on Margaretha's demeanor. This approach, characteristic of his work, demonstrates his ability to imbue domestic scenes with a sense of quiet dignity and psychological nuance.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Gerard ter Borch (Dutch:; December 1617 – 8 December 1681), also known as Gerard Terburg (Dutch: ), was a Dutch Golden Age painter mainly of genre subjects.
- Portrait of a Woman with a Dog
Portrait of a Lady
Elisabeth van Kessel (1640-1717). Wife of Willem Jacobsz Baert
Portrait of Hermana von der Cruysse (1615-1705)
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman with a Dog
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Young Girl
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of Maria van Strijp
Portrait of a woman