How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Buy a print or image licence
You can purchase this reproduction
If you have any products in your basket we recommend that you complete your purchase from Art UK before you leave our site to avoid losing your purchases.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
Ter Borch originally included a clue for us, but then changed his mind. After nearly 400 years the paint has faded to reveal a playing card on the floor by the dog’s leg. It’s the ace of hearts. This would have almost certainly been interpreted as a reference to romance, and a clear suggestion that it’s not a vital military message being drafted, but a love letter. By painting out the card, ter Borch made the situation much more mysterious.
Title
An Officer dictating a Letter
Date
about 1655-8
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 74.5 x W 51 cm
Accession number
NG5847
Acquisition method
Bequeathed by Mrs M. V. James from the Arthur James collection, 1948
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
-
Boy and a Dog St Helier Town Hall, Jersey -
Cavaliers Victoria and Albert Museum -
The Duet National Trust, Waddesdon Manor -
Gerbrand Pancras, Formerly Known as Hendrick Casimir II, Prince of Nassau-Dietz Manchester Art Gallery -
An Officer Making His Bow to a Courtesan National Trust, Polesden Lacey -
Portrait of an Unknown Man in Black, with a Hat and Watch on a Table National Trust, Polesden Lacey -
Portrait of a Man in His Study Guildhall Art Gallery - 16 more
