Young woman in mourning dress reading a letter

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Young woman in mourning dress reading a letter
Gerard ter Borch - Young woman in mourning dress reading a letter.jpg
Artist Gerard ter Borch
Year1662
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions44 cm× 39 cm(17 in× 15 in)
Locationprivate collection, New York

Young woman in mourning dress reading a letter is an oil on canvas painting by the Dutch artist Gerard ter Borch, created in 1662.

Contents

Description

A young woman, dressed in black, is reading a letter. Her complexion is pale, and the only jewelry she wears is a sapphire ring. The background of the painting suggests opulence, with luxury tableware, a pilaster fireplace, a wall map surrounding her.

This is a genre piece capturing an intimate moment of reflection and sorrow [1]

The motif of the letter, the delicate lighting of the female figure, and the peaceful, intimate atmosphere blend together perfectly. [2]

History

The painting was acquired by Oscar Huldschinsky, a businessman and patron of the arts, who was ruined by the Depression and sold at auction in 1928. It was subsequently sent to Brazil.

Since 1966, it has been held by the Aurora Trust, an art institute in New York. [3]

References

  1. "Gerard ter Borch's 1662 oil painting of a young woman in mourning attire reading a letter, a genre piece capturing an intimate moment of reflection and sorrow Stock Photo - Alamy". www.alamy.com. Retrieved 2025-12-07.
  2. "RKD Research". research.rkd.nl. Retrieved 2025-12-07.
  3. The Connoisseur. National Magazine Company. 1974.