Schets van Galliër before 1667

This is Moses ter Borch's "Schets van Galliër" (Sketch of a Gaul), created around the mid-17th century, now residing in the Rijksmuseum. Ter Borch, who died young, lived in an era marked by significant shifts in European power dynamics, including the rise of Dutch maritime dominance. This sketch, though seemingly simple, invites contemplation on the representation of identity. The Gaul, a figure from ancient history, is rendered with minimal detail, almost as a ghost. The artist’s choice to depict this figure could be interpreted as a reflection on the historical and cultural narratives that shape our understanding of different groups of people. Are they romanticized, vilified, or simply rendered invisible? Ter Borch offers a narrative that acknowledges the presence, albeit faint, of the Gaul. It encourages us to consider how we engage with the past and how we represent those who have been marginalized or othered. The emotional resonance of this work lies in its subtle questioning of power, representation, and historical memory.