Muziek makend herderspaar c. 1654

This is ‘Muziek makend herderspaar’ by Gesina ter Borch, a page from a friendship album likely made around 1660, using ink and watercolor on paper. The materials here are not esoteric: paper was widely available in the Dutch Republic at this time, enabling a culture of writing, printing and drawing. Yet the application is incredibly skillful. Ter Borch has deployed her fine brush to create a scene of remarkable detail, from the musical instruments to the elegant costumes of the figures. The poem above is rendered in a precise calligraphic hand. Ter Borch was not just casually passing the time; she committed herself to long hours of labor. This reflects the broader culture of the Dutch Golden Age, which saw craft skills as a virtue, a means of personal expression, and an avenue to social connection. By focusing on Ter Borch’s artistic process, we can appreciate the rich social and aesthetic context of this seemingly simple album page, recognizing the value placed on skill, patience, and personal expression through craft.