Woman reading a book

Woman reading a book

Gerard ter Borch

1659

oil

From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw

About this work

This painting shows a woman sitting at a table, engrossed in a book. She wears a white dress with a dark apron and a pearl necklace. Her dark hair is pulled back, and she has a black bracelet on her right wrist. The table is covered with a red cloth and holds a few objects, including a letter, a small bell, and a metal container. In the background, a man stands behind her, wearing a dark jacket with gold stripes on the sleeves. The woman's face is illuminated, while the rest of the scene is in shadow. This contrast creates a sense of intimacy and focus on the woman's activity. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation. The use of chiaroscuro in this painting adds depth and dimension to the scene.

More by Gerard ter Borch

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app