Twee staande vrouwen in profiel c. 1649

‘Twee staande vrouwen in profiel’ is a watercolor work by Gesina ter Borch. Ter Borch was born in 17th-century Netherlands, a period of significant social and political change, but also a time when women's roles were highly circumscribed. The watercolor depicts two women in profile, adorned in the fashion of the Dutch Golden Age. This image speaks volumes about identity and representation. What did it mean to be a woman artist in 17th century Netherlands? Ter Borch's work offers us a window into the lives and social positioning of women in her time. The meticulous detail in their attire and the deliberate composition prompt us to consider how women were perceived, and how they navigated a society that often confined them to limited roles. Ter Borch develops an alternative narrative, in a time when women were often excluded from formal artistic training and professional opportunities. This piece serves as a testament to her creative vision, offering a nuanced glimpse into the world of women.