Gerard ter Borch II (1617-1681) – The concert Part 2

The composition presents a domestic interior, defined by its muted palette and concentrated focus on a small group of figures. A young woman occupies the foreground, her posture suggesting absorption in the activity before her: she is seated at a harpsichord, her hands poised above the keys. The back view emphasizes the elegant lines of her dress – a striking contrast between the crimson bodice and the white skirt – and draws attention to the delicate curve of her neck.
Behind her, another woman sits at the instrument, facing away from the viewer. Her presence is less defined, appearing almost as a reflection or echo of the figure in the foreground. She wears a simple cap, its folds rendered with meticulous detail, hinting at a certain modesty and restraint. The two women seem engaged in a private performance, their interaction limited to the shared act of music-making.
The setting itself is unremarkable; the walls are bare, textured with age and marked by patches of discoloration. A framed picture hangs on the wall to the left, its subject obscured but suggesting an interest in portraiture or representation. The light source appears to be coming from the right side of the room, casting shadows that deepen the sense of intimacy and enclosure.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of propriety, social standing, and the role of music within a domestic sphere. The restrained gestures and averted gazes suggest a deliberate avoidance of overt display or emotional expression. There is an air of quiet contemplation, as if the scene captures a fleeting moment of private indulgence. The contrast between the vibrant red of the foreground figure’s dress and the muted tones of the surroundings might signify a subtle assertion of individuality within a framework of social convention. The absence of any other figures reinforces the sense of isolation and introspection, inviting speculation about the relationship between the two women and their place within the broader societal context.