Studieblad met drie lopende figuren Possibly 1650 - 1652

This study of three figures in motion was sketched by Harmen ter Borch, likely with pen and ink. The artist used a minimalist approach, focusing on line and form to define the figures and their actions. The composition, arranged horizontally, invites us to read the figures from left to right, as if they are moving across a stage. Ter Borch's use of stark lines and minimal shading places emphasis on the shapes and gestures of each figure. Notice the man on the left, weighed down by a heavy load, the central figure’s contemplative pose, and the figure on the right, brandishing a whip. Each is rendered economically, yet with a keen sense of observation. The drawing's lack of background encourages a focus on the figures themselves, inviting viewers to interpret their stories. In its simplicity, the study captures a sense of human activity and narrative potential. The artist prompts us to contemplate the relationships between these individuals and the world they inhabit.