The Letter Writer — Frans van Mieris

Frans van Mieris. Painted 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.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

panel, oil paint (paint) · Original size: 20 × 25 cm

Print: 21 × 26.3 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20015949. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.