Herder fluitspelend bij zijn schapen c. 1654 - 1655

Gesina ter Borch created this watercolor and pen and ink drawing of a shepherd playing his flute amongst sheep. The composition is carefully arranged, with the shepherd positioned centrally, flanked by trees that frame the scene. The use of soft, muted colors such as the pastel shades of pink and green, creates a serene and pastoral atmosphere, drawing the viewer into a tranquil, idealized world. Ter Borch’s formal structure speaks to the broader intellectual context of her time. The clear, linear style and balanced composition reflect the prevailing Classicist ideals that valued order and harmony. Yet, the intimate scale and delicate execution also hint at a personal, almost diaristic approach, aligning with a growing interest in individual expression. The artwork invites ongoing interpretation, where the aesthetic beauty of the form merges with deeper cultural and philosophical meanings.