Jongen met breedgerande hoed, naar links lopend Possibly 1651 - 1659

Harmen ter Borch rendered this drawing of a boy with a wide-brimmed hat in the mid-17th century. Executed with brown ink and watercolor, the artwork presents a monochromatic study where light and shadow define the form and texture. The hat's broad brim and the subject's clothing are delineated with fluid brushstrokes, adding depth and volume. Ter Borch’s technique utilizes a structured, almost diagrammatic approach to depicting form, emphasizing the interplay between line and wash. The artist creates a visual hierarchy where light defines the contours and the folds of fabric, suggesting a concern with the material qualities of clothing and the way light interacts with surfaces. The figure’s orientation, walking away and slightly turned, suggests a narrative element, inviting the viewer to project a story onto the image. The drawing functions as an exploration of representation within the cultural context of the Dutch Golden Age. The artist's careful rendering and attention to detail reflect broader philosophical concerns with optics, perception, and the material world.