Focus on this artwork and explain the Analisys.
The painting is clearly set up in the style of the Dutch fijnschilders. The texture of the fabrics, especially of the main character, has been rendered with the utmost care. The metallic reflection of the blue and yellow of her clothing, which indicates a certain wealth, is striking. The refined elaboration, such as the embroidered border at the bottom of the dress, is almost unparalleled for that time.
As always, ter Borch pays a lot of attention to details, such as the tray and candlestick in the boy's hands, the inkwell on the table by the woman on the left, and even the vaguely rendered chandelier against the dark background. The subdued and measured mood is enhanced by the scattered light. Everything exudes enormous precision and craftsmanship. The overall effect is highly realistic, with a strong emphasis on the harmonious simplicity of domestic life.
Ter Borch painted many of these anecdotal works, often with the same models and with few changing elements, very similar in atmosphere. Characters reading letters or writing letters are often central. Because these figures have an intimate relationship with each other from a psychological point of view, the viewer is, as it were, excluded: he can only guess the circumstances of the event. Depicting veiled meanings in this way, often of the amorous kind, was usual that time and can also be observed in many of ter Borch's colleagues.
fijnschilders