Woman at a Mirror

A young woman dressed in lavish garb sits with her back to the viewer. A young child holds a mirror in front of her revealing the reflection of an older woman. Into the 17th century in the Netherlands, women continued to be associated with mirrors as a sign of their vanity and weak moral character. This misconception was furthered by Christian authorities. Gerard ter Borch (II) painted Woman at a Mirror as a warning to women that beauty will fade. Ter Borch (II) was born into an accomplished, artistic family during the 17th century in the Netherlands. He studied as a painter, as did his sister Gesina, who was likely the model for his painting.