The Letter Writer  1680

A messenger waits patiently for the young woman to finish writing her letter. Judging from her clothing, she leads a life of luxury. To while away time, shenplays a lute. Given the amorous connotations associated with this instrument, her missive is surely addressed to a lover! Frans van Mieris was the most prominent Leiden [br]fijnschilder (‘fine painter’): he could rende...