Focus on Interior with a Man Reading a Letter and a Woman Sewing and explore the Context.
The theme of men and women reading or writing letters was very popular amongst Dutch artists in the third quarter of the seventeenth century. The theme recurs amongst the works of Johannes Vermeer, Gabriël Metsu and, in particular, Gerard ter Borch. Due in part to the 'Great age of letter writing', the act of writing and thus reading a letter was increasing in popularity and still quite a significant event.De Hooch began his career with the painting of scenes called "Koortegardje", a bastardization of the French term, "Corps de garde", meaning guard house. These early works were primarily composed of scenes of soldiers and peasants in stables and taverns, in the style of Merry company. These paintings greatly developed his proficiency in light, colour and perspective.After De Hooch moved from Leiden to Amsterdam around 1660, he devoted himself frequently to painting interiors, in which he also regularly included letter-reading figures. In that choice of theme, he was influenced by Ter Borch. Ter Borch's influence can also be recognized in the rendering of delicate textures. "Interior with a man reading a letter and a woman sewing" is a characteristic example in this regard.
Amsterdam Gerard ter Borch letters Leiden Johannes Vermeer Merry company Gabriël Metsu