94 Frans van Mieris the Elder (1635–1681) The Duet, 1658 Oil on wood, 31.6 × 24.9 cm Inv. no. G 82 A young woman stands at a harpsichord, absorbed in her playing. Beside her, a gentleman strums a lute. Although little of the interior is visible, the viewer’s gaze is drawn to the woman’s magnificent gown. Despite the introverted demeanour of both figures, the colours appear sumptuous yet remarkably refined. The stillness, delicacy and fleeting quality of the moment evoke the idealised portrayals of cultivated domestic life found in the works of Gerard ter Borch and Johannes Vermeer from the 1660s and 1670s. The painting exudes a sense of utmost elegance, making us fall silent to watch the couple play – as if we were their invited audience, hanging on to every note their fingers produce. And as to the painter’s fingers: he leaves no trace of the workings of his own hand. Frans van Mieris, the foremost master of the Leiden School, cultivated so fine a manner that there is no sign of the brush. The creative act behind this exquisite masterpiece thus remains the secret of his studio. _GS
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