TERBRUGGHEN, Hendrick
(b. 1588, Utrecht, d. 1629, Utrecht)

Unequal Couple

c. 1623
Oil on canvas, 74 x 89 cm
Private collection

This painting, which was altered by the artist and later cropped at the corners, depicts an almost claustrophobic interior, featuring a bare-chested prostitute clutching the fur garment of a man wearing a mask and pince-nez, both of which make him appear much older than he actually is. This churlish whore smiles at us knowingly, uncouthly exposing her discoloured teeth in the process.