In Veermer’s work, music is used for the purpose of courtship. In this work, the spectator on whom the woman gazes assumes the role of potential suitor. However, it is worth adding how young Dutch boys incorporated music into their education as a method of distinction. The tight curls, the red ribbons and the strand of small pearls in her hair indicate that she is a young lady of good education and fine sensibilities. The expression, although abstracted as in some of Veermer’s other late works, suggests that she is a real person with emotions and feelings.
Collection: Images
Project: 11. Science and culture as representation in Europe., 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe., 8. Women and the change for gender equality in Europe.
Chronology: XVII
Scope: Secondary education, Baccalaureate, University
Link: https://www.theleidencollection.com/artwork/young-woman-seated-at-a-virginal/
Resource type: Image
Format: Oil on canvas (25,5 x 20,1 cm)
Source: The Leiden Collection (Nueva York)
Language: English
Date: 1670-72
Owner: Álvaro Romero González (Modernalia)
Identifier: JVe-100
Copyright: The Leiden Collection (Nueva York)
Abstract: Everyday scene from 17th century Holland in which a woman plays the virginal
Image
Tags
