Gerard ter Borch (or "Terborch") was the first genre painter of Holland to paint subjects taken from the wealthier classes of society and interiors in which richness of costume and drapery, and of all accompanying details, is rendered with exquisite feeling combined with realistic truth to nature.
His pictures, which are among the rarities of European galleries, not more than eighty having been classified, are seldom composed of more than three figures, and often of only one, and represent scenes such as are in general termed "conversations" and parties at cards, gallantries, visits, etc. His
ladies generally are dressed in white satin, which material he seemed fond of painting, and no one has ever been able to surpass him in this.
The satin robe, indeed, appertains to Ter Borch. He also painted portraits, generally on a very small scale, and these are full of aristocratic distinction, and exhibit his finest qualities.
