MIERIS, Frans van, the Elder
(b. 1635, Leiden, d. 1681, Leiden)

Woman before the Mirror (detail)

c. 1670
Oil on wood
Alte Pinakothek, Munich

This painting shows the traditional subject of a woman admiring herself in a mirror: in the work of Hieronymous Bosch, for example, it was a symbol of the sin of superbia (pride) but by the time it was painted by Gerard ter Borch and van Mieris it simply provided an opportunity for the painter to display his skill in rendering reflections and rich materials. Van Mieris highlights the shimmering satin dress and brightly coloured feather within the dark interior, encouraging the viewer to admire his craftsmanship and virtuosity.