Mother fine combing the hair of her child Gerard Terborch (1617-1681)

The composition presents a domestic interior scene centered around a woman and a young child. Here we see the woman seated on a chair, meticulously combing the hair of the child who sits upon her lap. The lighting is subdued, concentrated primarily on their figures, which emerge from an otherwise dark background. This restricted illumination creates a sense of intimacy and draws immediate attention to the interaction between mother and child.
The woman’s attire consists of a red bodice with a white collar and a dark head covering adorned with what appears to be decorative stitching or beads. Her expression is one of focused tenderness, her gaze directed towards the childs hair as she works. The child, dressed in a light blue garment with a white bib, looks upwards, seemingly engaged with their mother’s actions. A small object, perhaps a toy or sweetmeat, is held within the child’s hand, suggesting a moment of comfort and contentment.
The chair itself is simple, constructed from dark wood, its back partially visible. The presence of a fur stole draped over the chairs back introduces an element of understated luxury into this otherwise humble setting. A glimpse of furniture can be discerned in the background, further establishing the domestic context.
Beyond the literal depiction of maternal care, the painting evokes themes of familial love and security. The quiet intimacy of the scene suggests a moment of respite from daily concerns, a private ritual reinforcing the bond between mother and child. The subdued lighting contributes to this atmosphere of tranquility and protection. The inclusion of the fur stole hints at a degree of prosperity without detracting from the overall sense of simplicity and domesticity. It is likely that the artist intended to portray not just an action but also the emotional core of familial relationships, emphasizing the nurturing role of motherhood within a private sphere.