Hoofd van een jongen met een hoed, naar beneden kijkend c. 1634s

Jan ter Borch made this small drawing of a boy in a hat using graphite on paper. What is remarkable about this image is how the artist was able to evoke a tangible sense of form and light with such simple materials and tools. Graphite is a relatively soft material, which allows for a wide range of tonal variation depending on the pressure applied. In this drawing, Ter Borch uses light, delicate strokes to define the planes of the boy's face and hat, while bolder lines create darker accents. The paper also plays an important role. Its slightly rough texture creates a subtle graininess that complements the softness of the graphite. The visible labor in the drawing—the build-up of marks, the slight smudging, the immediacy of the gesture—is a reminder of the artist's hand and process. By focusing on the materials and methods used to create this drawing, we can appreciate the artist's skill and the unique qualities of this intimate work.