Vrouw met mand, naar rechts gebarend, van achteren Possibly 1652

Harmen ter Borch rendered this drawing of a woman with ink on paper around 1652, and it resides today in the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the figure, seen from behind, carries a basket and gestures to the right. Her extended arm and open hand—a motif that echoes through art history—serves as a silent invitation. This gesture, potent with the symbolism of guidance, recalls the classical figures of antiquity. Consider, too, how in earlier Roman depictions, this same gesture might command attention or indicate direction. Now, in Ter Borch's rendering, it evokes a softer, more conversational tone. What we see here is not merely an indication of direction but an invitation to witness a shared moment. This gesture evolves, resurfaces, and takes on new meaning, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, bridging past and present.