Beeld van zittende naakte vrouw, van achteren c. 1657 - 1658

This watercolor by Moses ter Borch, from the 17th century, captures a seated nude woman from behind. The figure, likely a sculpture, is draped with fabric, its folds reminiscent of classical drapery. The depiction of the female nude has roots in antiquity, symbolizing fertility, beauty, and the ideal form. Consider the Venus Pudica, where the figure modestly covers herself, a motif echoing through centuries of art. Here, the back view shifts the gaze, focusing on form and vulnerability. This classical form re-emerges throughout art history, each time imbued with new meanings. The persistence of such symbols reveals a deep-seated psychological resonance, a collective memory influencing how we perceive and represent the human form, engaging our subconscious on a profound level. This cycle continues.