Boereninterieur (Liefdadigheid of Armoede) c. 1660 - 1687

Editor: So, here we have "Boereninterieur (Liefdadigheid of Armoede)," or "Interior of a Farmhouse (Charity or Poverty)," a watercolor, pen and coloured pencil drawing by Gesina ter Borch, likely from the late 17th century. It's fascinating, all these different activities happening in one space. What captures your attention in this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to the way ter Borch depicts the labour within this household. Look at the variety of tasks – cooking, child-rearing, even animal husbandry is present. Notice the hanging meats and tools: these objects are not just background details, they're evidence of the household’s economic activities and its consumption. Editor: Yes, it does feel like we're seeing a whole economic ecosystem. Do you think the materials she chose, the pen and watercolor, influenced the feel? Curator: Absolutely. Watercolour, in particular, lends itself to depicting the everyday, the ephemeral. It’s less about monumental grandeur and more about capturing a moment, a process. The transparency of the washes allows us to see the layered activities within this domestic sphere, perhaps mirroring the many demands placed on women of the time. Consider what this choice of materials communicates about the intended audience and their understanding of 'high' and 'low' art. Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn't considered the statement being made by the medium itself. So, you're saying that it is about representing the labour that upholds the community? Curator: Exactly. We're looking at a depiction of work, but also a meditation on value – both economic and social. This domestic interior, presented with such care, challenges the hierarchies of subject matter prevalent in art at the time. What are your thoughts on the depiction of wealth versus poverty presented? Editor: I never thought I would look at the image that way, you are right, it brings a fresh understanding. Thank you for pointing out that every item in this picture tells something important.