Soldaat, Maaltijd te Emmaüs en hoofd van een man 1617 - 1677

Gerard ter Borch the Younger made this drawing with pen in brown ink, brush in gray and brown ink, and graphite. It is likely a study, a preparatory sketch for a more elaborate artwork. The material here is significant: ink and graphite on paper aren’t costly and allow quick, efficient work – perfect for capturing initial ideas before committing to a more time-intensive medium like oil paint. Ter Borch was known for his scenes of everyday life, and these studies show a keen interest in capturing figures and poses, almost like a record. The sketchy, unfinished nature of the drawings gives us a peek into the artist's working method. Ultimately, the artwork reminds us that even the most polished paintings often begin with humble materials and the artist’s hand working through initial ideas. It challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, inviting us to appreciate the value of process, labor, and the very act of making.