Duinen c. 1634 - 1635

Gerard ter Borch sketched these 'Duinen' with pen on paper, offering us a glimpse into the Dutch landscape and psyche. Dominating the scene are the dunes themselves, these natural barriers which, to the Dutch, symbolized not only protection from the sea but also a sense of national identity and resilience. The depiction of landscapes has roots stretching back to antiquity, but it was during the Renaissance that it truly emerged as a genre capable of conveying profound symbolic weight. Consider the mountainous backgrounds in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, which suggest the sublime power of nature, a theme later developed in the Romantic era. Ter Borch’s dunes, however, are more intimate, speaking to a specific cultural and geographical reality. The ever-shifting sands might evoke a sense of impermanence, a reminder of the constant struggle against the elements. The psychological impact of such imagery should not be underestimated. Dunes, with their undulating forms, invite the eye to wander, creating a visual metaphor for life’s journey, full of unexpected turns and hidden paths.