MusEYEum Online Catalogue

An Old Woman Reading
REPRODUCTION IMAGES COLLECTION
print
British Optical Association; Dioptric Review; Metsu, Gabriël
Europe: United Kingdom, England, London, EC4
June 1933
paper; card; wood; glass
overall (frame): 294 mm x 242 mm; visible image: 191 mm x 141 mm

20th century reproduction of a 17th c. painting, as printed on the British Optical Association's own press and supplied to members with copies of the Dioptric Review under the caption 'An Old Woman Reading. This engraving is taken from a picture in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, by Gabriel Metsu, who was born in Leyden in 1630 and died at the age of 37 in Amsterdam where he had spent the best part of his life. While in Leyden he studied for a time with Gerard Dou (whose "Man Sharpening His Pen" was published with the April number of the "Dioptric Review"), but he does not resemble him much in style. His pictures deal as a rule with the more refined sides of domestic life. "The Duet" and "The Music Lesson" in the National Gallery are good examples of his work.' Mounted with maroon card, housed in an early 21st century red wood and glazed frame with internal gilt surround.

2023.320

Gift of Mr Graeme Holland, 2021