Fluitspeler c. 1656 - 1657

This red chalk drawing by Moses ter Borch depicts a lone flute player. The flute, a simple reed instrument, is more than just a musical tool; it is a conduit for emotion and expression. Think of the ancient world where flutes were linked to pastoral settings, to Pan, to the gods, and to the bucolic, idealized, landscape. The flute's enchanting melodies were believed to have the power to soothe wild beasts, beckon nature spirits, and lead humans into altered states of consciousness, transcending earthly concerns. The flute’s association with the mythical Marsyas, who dared to challenge Apollo in a musical contest, reminds us of the perils of hubris, the limitations of mortal skill when set against divine genius, and the profound connection between music and tragedy. There is a psychological depth here as well. The act of playing an instrument has long been associated with catharsis, a release of pent-up emotions through the physical act of creating music. This piece, therefore, captures a moment of profound human experience and perhaps even invites us to reflect on our own inner melodies.