The Messenger (1653)

Gerard ter Borch’s The Messenger, known as 'The Unwelcome News' was painted in 1653 and hangs at The Hague’s Mauritshuis Gallery.

In a rather intimate scene, a soldier receives a letter from a messenger with a military horn hanging from his shoulder. Perhaps it is a call to the front, leading him away from the girl who leans against him so tenderly. Although the news is bleak, there is little sense of surprise on any of the faces; they knew it was coming, the inevitable has happened.

Why are people always surprised when they are told their time is up and they must die? Did they think they were exceptional? Godless versions of long-lived Methuselah or never-dying Elijah, neatly sidestepping the undertaker’s craft? The news might be unwelcome but it is already on its way. Prepare for it, therefore.

“Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” -Amos 4:12

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