Public domain
Woman before the mirror
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
A young boy holds up a mirror for the woman in the satin gown, who gazes upward at a far more plainly dressed woman. In the 17th century, mirrors symbolized vanity and the transience of life. This painting serves as a cautionary reminder: youth and beauty are fleeting. Ter Borch’s sister, Gesina, also an artist, probably modelled for both women, and his brother Moses for the boy.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineVrouw voor de spiegel. c. 1650. Gerard ter Borch (II). Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
