Gedicht over een oude en een nieuwe liefde (deel 2) c. 1646 - 1650

This page, "Gedicht over een oude en een nieuwe liefde (deel 2)," or "Poem about an old and a new love (part 2)," was made by Gesina ter Borch, an artist from the Dutch Golden Age. Ter Borch used ink on paper to express the verses of the poem. Ink and paper, ubiquitous materials in their time, carry a unique kind of intimacy. In Ter Borch’s hands, calligraphy becomes more than just writing; it’s a visual representation of the poet’s emotions. Notice how the weight and pressure of her strokes vary, giving the letters a fluid, almost organic quality. The act of writing, especially poetry, was a cherished social practice during Ter Borch’s time. It reflects not only individual expression but also a shared cultural value of literacy and contemplation. Considering that Gesina ter Borch's family belonged to the affluent middle class, her commitment to such intimate, personal artistry challenges the conventional boundaries between 'high art' and 'everyday life'. The materials are humble, yet the expression is elevated. This underscores the value of recognizing artistic expression beyond conventional artistic materials.