A young woman dressed in lavish garb sits with her back to the viewer, gazing at an older woman standing next to her. The viewer sees the lavishly dressed young woman's reflection in a mirror, held by a child. 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.

Vrouw voor een spiegel. Zittende jonge vrouw voor een jongen die een spiegel vasthoudt. Hiernaast een staande vrouw met hoofddoek. Vermoedelijk een portret van Gesina ter Borch.