Lezende broeder c. 1657

"Lezende broeder" (Reading Brother) is a watercolor painting created by Dutch artist Gesina ter Borch in 1657. It depicts a brother from a religious order, clad in a white habit, reading a book. The detailed depiction of the brother's clothing, particularly the folds of the habit, showcases ter Borch's meticulous style, a hallmark of her work. This small but captivating watercolor, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the life of a monk in the 17th century.