Studieblad met twee herten 1620s

Here is a study of two deer by Gerard ter Borch the elder, rendered in pen and brown ink during the Dutch Golden Age. The elder Borch, as he is known, produced numerous studies of animals, and passed on his knowledge to his children, Gerard and Gesina, who would become celebrated artists in their own right. Although the drawing depicts two deer, one is a small sketch in the upper right corner. The primary deer occupies the foreground, its body a study in delicate shading, its antlers proudly displayed, reminiscent of the heraldic symbols of noble families. We are invited to think about status, and the role of the hunt within a burgeoning mercantile culture. This drawing is less about representing the animal in its natural habitat and more about understanding its form, a practice deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of the time. Borch's study offers us an intimate glimpse into the artistic process, inviting us to consider the intersection of nature, culture, and the artist's gaze.