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Notes
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Ter Borch originally included a clue for us, but then changed his mind. After nearly 400 years the paint has faded to reveal a playing card on the floor by the dog’s leg. It’s the ace of hearts. This would have almost certainly been interpreted as a reference to romance, and a clear suggestion that it’s not a vital military message being drafted, but a love letter. By painting out the card, ter Borch made the situation much more mysterious.
Title
An Officer dictating a Letter
Date
about 1655-8
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 74.5 x W 51 cm
Accession number
NG5847
Acquisition method
Bequeathed by Mrs M. V. James from the Arthur James collection, 1948
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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