Helena van der Schalcke

1648

Helena, daughter of a merchant, was not even three years old when Ter Borch portrayed her. Yet her elegant dress and wicker basket make her look like a little grown up. Her costume is adorned with lace, bows, and a heavy gold chain. Just visible on her back is one of her walking reins, which enabled mothers to support and guide their children’s first steps and prevent them from wandering off.