Feestscène 1612

This drawing was made by Gerard ter Borch, sometime before his death in 1662. Borch was a Dutch painter known for his scenes of wealthy life, and this drawing offers a window into the cultural rituals of the Dutch Golden Age. The clothing of the figures indicates this is an upper-class gathering. The body language appears quite formal and restrained, compared to our contemporary parties. We see the figures gathered together and this image might suggest a commentary on social class, perhaps noting the importance of propriety and decorum among the wealthy. Or perhaps, the figures are engaging in flirtatious encounters, and the artist is simply capturing a moment of fun. To better understand this work, we can look at the history of Dutch art institutions. We can research costume history, etiquette manuals, and other images of similar social gatherings. Ultimately, the meaning of this art is found in its cultural context.