Op weg naar Emmaüs en hoofd van een blond kind 1594 - 1662

Curator: Welcome. Here we have a fascinating sheet of studies by Gerard ter Borch the Elder, dating from around 1594 to 1662. It features, as you can see, two distinct sketches: 'Op weg naar Emmaüs' and 'hoofd van een blond kind', translating to 'Road to Emmaus' and 'Head of a Blond Child'. Editor: The child's head, particularly, it just... pulls you in, doesn't it? There's something both delicate and unsettling in that gaze. Curator: Indeed. Ter Borch's meticulous use of pencil, with subtle washes of watercolor, demonstrates an economy of means that belies the expressiveness he achieves. Look at the linen paper; it’s quite remarkable how the texture itself contributes to the sense of age and authenticity. Editor: Right, and the drawing on the left – it's almost like a little theatre scene playing out. Is it just me, or does the awkward scuffle among those figures give off a strangely playful vibe? Like a slapstick episode from the Bible. Curator: The subject matter is more profound, certainly depicting a moment of recognition in the Road to Emmaus narrative, a pivotal post-Resurrection appearance of Jesus. It reveals the extent of ter Borch's religious interests and artistic formation through the production and dissemination of such drawings in his workshop. Editor: Religious or not, the humanity bleeds through, right? It feels less like dogma and more like pure, chaotic interaction. Back to the child - you're getting a real sense of childhood fragility, and then bang the slightly puffed face, those huge eyes. Masterful character creation through simple means. Curator: Well, its existence as a workshop drawing reminds us of the role of apprenticeship, production, and distribution in art of this era. These were not precious autonomous objects so much as practical, commercial ones. Editor: Hmmm, and in their simplicity they touch something raw and utterly accessible! Makes you wonder about that blond child, the scene unfolding. Thank you. Curator: Thank you. Considering its social purpose reveals a rich sense of the possibilities behind the art of its period.