Lady at Her Toilette

Incidental background props in a painting are often meant to convey symbolic meanings that contribute to the painting’s story. In works like this, Ter Borch intended to engage the viewer in a sort of guessing game about his characters’ love affairs. The following are some things to think about as you try to figure out what’s happening in this painting.
 

		Notice the woman’s face is reflected in a mirror. When someone is lost in her own thoughts, she is sometimes said to be “in a state of reflection.” In addition, a mirror is often a symbol of personal vanity in the art from this time period.
		Dogs are often symbols of either lustful desire or undying faithfulness. The spaniel props up its front legs on an empty chair as though looking for someone or something.
		There are two candles in a holder. They have been snuffed out. Candles can symbolize life or passion. Even today, when one is said to be leading a life of risk-filled behavior, we say that a person is “burning a candle at both ends.”

One of the most intriguing things about Ter Borch’s work is that, to his credit, scholars still do not agree about what the artist may have intended to imply in this and other paintings. The game continues!

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Image & Image Details: Lady at Her Toilette, ca. 1660; Oil on canvas. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase, Eleanor Clay Ford Fund, General Membership Fund, Endowment Income Fund and Special Activities Fund. Photo: ©1995 The Detroit Institute of Arts.