A young boy holds up a mirror for the woman in the satin gown, who gazes upward at a far more plainly dressed woman. In the 17th century, mirrors symbolized vanity and the transience of life.

This painting serves as a cautionary reminder: youth and beauty are fleeting.

Ter Borch’s sister, Gesina, also an artist, probably modelled for both women, and his brother Moses for the boy.