Aanlegsteiger c. 1634

Gerard ter Borch the Younger created this pen and brown ink drawing titled "Aanlegsteiger" which translates to "jetty" and resides at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing is a study in tonal relationships and minimalist composition. A low horizon line divides the paper, creating an expansive sky that dominates the upper two-thirds of the composition. Ter Borch uses delicate, horizontal strokes to suggest atmospheric perspective, fading into the distance. The jetty itself is rendered with a pragmatic simplicity, its structural elements defined by quick, confident lines that capture the light and shadow. The composition focuses attention on the structure itself and invites contemplation on themes of human intervention within the natural world. Ter Borch's formal choices encourage a reading of the artwork that recognizes the interplay between line, tone, and texture, demonstrating how these elements create meaning. Each viewer is invited to engage with the drawing's aesthetic qualities and consider its broader implications.