Study of a Standing Youth 1645 - 1667

This red chalk drawing of a standing youth was made by Moses ter Borch, probably in the mid-17th century and is now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The drawing presents a figure rendered with delicate lines and a subtle use of shading. The youth is centrally composed, with a balanced yet informal stance. Ter Borch's attention to detail, particularly in the layering of clothing, adds depth and texture to the composition. The use of red chalk lends a warm, almost sanguine quality to the drawing, enhancing the texture of the paper. This choice of medium invites us to consider the drawing as a study in form and light rather than a finished work. The drawing captures a moment of quiet observation, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between the representation of form and the material qualities of the medium itself. It prompts questions about the nature of representation, the role of drawing in artistic practice, and the cultural values attached to youth and representation in the 17th century.