Jongen, van achteren Possibly 1653

This drawing, made by Harmen ter Borch, captures a boy from behind using graphite. The visible, unrefined strokes allow us to see the artist’s process, revealing both precision and spontaneity. The composition is structured by the contrast between the detailed foreground figure and the loosely sketched background, drawing our attention to the boy's form. The lines define the contours of the boy's figure, emphasizing the texture of his clothing and the way he carries himself. Ter Borch uses shading to create volume, suggesting a three-dimensionality that complicates the flat surface of the paper. This technique highlights the material presence of the figure, grounding him in a tangible reality. Ter Borch challenges our perception by presenting the figure from behind, inviting us to consider what is hidden from view. The drawing becomes not just a depiction but an exploration of absence and presence, of what we can see versus what remains unseen.