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Notes
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The Latin inscriptions placed on the instrument provide a witty and ironic commentary. The words ‘SOLI DEO GLORIA’ (’Glory to God alone‘) appear below the keys, implying that the young woman is playing solely for the glory of God. But the inscription on the open lid reads ‘ACTA VIRUM PROBANT’ (’actions prove the man'): the young woman’s admirer is about to take more active steps. Presumably he will soon join the woman in an intimate duet, accompanying her on the theorbo that the pageboy seen through the open door is carrying.
Title
A Young Woman playing a Harpsichord to a Young Man
Date
probably 1659
Medium
Oil on oak
Measurements
H 42.3 x W 33 cm
Accession number
NG856
Acquisition method
Bought, 1871
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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