The Letter Writer

Frans van Mieris (I), 1680

We can only guess as to the content of the letter being composed by this woman. A lute, an instrument with amorous connotations, rests on the table. Writing love letters was wildly popular and highly regarded in that time. Compared to surrounding countries, many people in the Dutch Republic could read and write. The messenger standing behind the woman patiently awaits her to finish so that he can deliver the missive.

Artwork typepainting
Object numberSK-A-261
Dimensionsheight 25 cm x width 20 cm
Physical characteristicsoil on panel

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Identification

Title(s)
The Letter Writer
Object type
Object number
SK-A-261
Description
De briefschrijfster. Een vrouw schrijft, voorovergebogen over een tafel, een brief. Links wacht een bediende of bode tot zij klaar is. Op de voorgrond slaapt een hondje op een kruk, links een luit.
Inscriptions / marks
signature and date: ‘F. van Mieris fecit Anno 1680’

Creation

Creation
painter: Frans van Mieris (I)
Dating
1680
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Material and technique

Physical description
oil on panel
Dimensions
height 25 cm x width 20 cm

This work is about

Subject

Acquisition and rights

Acquisition
purchase 1808
Copyright
Public domain

Documentation

Related objects

Persistent URL

To refer to this object, please use the following persistent URL:
https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20015949