Slapende hond before 1662

Gerard ter Borch, who died in 1662, made this drawing of a sleeping dog, now in the Rijksmuseum. Ter Borch was a Dutch Golden Age painter, known for his genre scenes and portraits, capturing the life and customs of the 17th-century Netherlands. Although undated, this drawing is from a time when the Dutch Republic was at the height of its power, known for its trade, science, and art. During this time, the rising merchant class became patrons of the arts, leading to a demand for paintings that reflected their daily lives and values. This detailed study of a humble, sleeping dog may speak to the shifting social status of the animal, as it moves away from being a mere worker into the realm of companionship. Ter Borch's refined technique and attention to detail made him a sought-after artist among the elite. To understand the context of this work, one might research the economic structures of the Dutch Golden Age and the social history of pet ownership. By examining archival documents, period literature, and other artworks, we can better understand the cultural values and social conditions that shaped the artwork.