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Imitator of David Teniers the Younger, 'An Old Woman Reading', 17th century

Key facts
Full title An Old Woman Reading
Artist Imitator of David Teniers the Younger
Artist dates 1610 - 1690
Date made 17th century
Medium and support oil on wood
Dimensions 17.8 × 14.3 cm
Acquisition credit Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number NG2601
Location Not on display
Collection Main Collection
Previous owners
An Old Woman Reading
Imitator of David Teniers the Younger

An old woman looks down intently at the large book she holds open – very likely a Bible, since she’s dressed in the plain clothing often worn by Calvinists, followers of a strict branch of the Protestant faith. This isn‘t a portrait but a tronie, pictures which showed stock characters, often with exaggerated facial expressions or gestures. In this case, though, it appears to be a visual example of what a pious old age should be.

David Teniers the Younger was immensely successful as a painter and his work was widely copied and imitated. This appears to be an imitation painted at the end of the seventeenth century, probably after Teniers’ death.

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