Staand jongetje met een mantel, van achteren gezien c. 1627 - 1655

Gerard ter Borch the Younger made this drawing of a standing boy with a cloak from behind, with pen in gray-brown and black ink, and graphite. Produced in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age, this sketch offers insight into the period's social fabric. Borch, celebrated for his genre scenes and portraits of the affluent, here presents a boy, likely from a privileged background, given his attire and confident demeanor. His raised hand adds a sense of direction, perhaps hinting at ambition or aspiration. The Dutch Golden Age was marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing, yet social hierarchies remained pronounced. Borch's depiction, while seemingly straightforward, subtly reflects the era's social dynamics and expectations. To truly understand this work, one must explore Dutch society, class structures, and the role of art patronage during the 17th century. Historical archives, period literature, and studies of Dutch art institutions will offer richer insights.