The love letter

According to Ineke Bruynooghe, the subject of the love letter was uncommon for Jan Portielje and in the present painting he presents the theme as if he were portraying a portrait. The picture dates from the artist's later period. While the identity of the sitter is not known she figures frequently in his work from these years. Highly regarded for his attention to detail, the present painting shows Jan's mastery in painting lace and fabrics.

We are grateful to Ineke Bruynooghe for her assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.

Ineke Bruynooghe will include this work in her forthcoming Portielje catalogue raisonné.