Staande dame c. 1654

This is a page from a poetry album, made by Gesina ter Borch, likely in the mid-17th century, using pen and ink, and watercolor. The writing itself is an exercise of skill, each letter carefully shaped. But the miniature figure on the page adds another dimension. It is an intimate image, made with considerable precision using a combination of drawing and painting techniques. The subject's clothing seems meticulously rendered, conveying the textures and colors of the fabrics worn in the 17th century. Consider the labor involved in the creation of this album page, from the production of the paper itself to the careful control of the artist's hand. Ter Borch was working within a tradition of female artistic practice, but with great attention to detail and skill. The labor of women has historically been undervalued in art history, and is typically associated with craft instead of fine art. Looking closely at the materials and processes, as we have here, is key to understanding the social and cultural significance of this work.