Herman Frederick Ten Kate 1822 - The Hague - 1891 Interior Scene Watercolor on paper 9 1/4 x 13 1/4 inches (23.4 x 33.6 cm.) Signed lower right Herman Ten Kate spent most of his life in The Hague although he did occasionally travel to Amsterdam and Haarlem. He was a member of the Royal Academy in Amsterdam in 1847.  He was a student of Cornelis Krusemans from 1837 to 1841. Ten Kate generally depicted friendly genre scenes as well as scenes with soldiers inspired by the 80 years war. His work is generally of watercolor and lithographs.   Our sheet offers a quiet scene in which two gentlemen are featured, each sporting the extravagant hats, vests and tall boots typical of the 19th century, inspired by the 17th century Guardroom scenes. One man rests against the back of a chair, his face marked with a serious expression, his left hand gesturing toward the other man seated at the table. The seated figure wears a rather bemused expression as he composes a letter, apparently taking delight in his endeavor. The two figures are surrounded by various objects cluttering the room, which Ten Kate employs for the specific means of compositional balance. The various interior elements -- a long wooden table stretching from the back wall towards the foreground of the painting, pieces of shiny armor resting on the floor, a drum sitting in the back left corner -- are arranged in a loose zig-zag formation. The right side of the picture includes more physical objects, although balanced on the left by the use of a bright cherry and blue in the drapery. Prudent use of color also functions as a visual path to guide the viewer's eye through the space of the painting: from the figures to the red drapery to the blue curtain, and circling along the background wall to the right corner. As one's focus is directed around the room, the crisp textures and rich details may be fully appreciated.                 Our painting The Final Touch, is a prime example of the careful attention Juan Pablo Salinas lavishes on each detail of the room, tapestries, carpet, furniture and costumes.   Salinas has depicted an intimate scene in which a beautiful young woman is having her hair done, perhaps in anticipation of an evening fête.  Across from her we find a young gentleman, observing her with admiration.  Slightly leaning back, resting his chin on his hand, he carefully follows the beautification of the woman.  She serves as the center of attention for the two other subjects in the painting.  Her relaxed position and the ways in which she flirtatiously returns her admirer’s gaze, indicates that she is comfortable with the attention.  The woman’s extraordinary costume and its luxurious fabric as well as rich coloring immediately strike the viewer, as does the fanciful brushwork that Salinas is often appreciated for.  The gentleman, finely dressed in brilliantly colored silk and velvet appears to be a perfect match for our young woman.  Despite the opulent interior and clothing, the composition of figures in the painting gives the setting an air of intimacy.  As our eye moves toward the background of the painting, one sees that even the tapestries of this beautifully adorned room have been rendered with minute detail.