Jongelui die pret maken op een grasperk c. 1620 - 1625

This drawing, by Gerard ter Borch the Elder, dating from the early 17th century, is made using pen and brown ink on paper. It depicts young people reveling on a lawn, a seemingly simple subject that, on closer inspection, reveals a complex interplay of material, process, and social context. The choice of pen and ink, a readily available and relatively inexpensive medium, speaks to the work's accessibility. Ter Borch's skillful manipulation of the pen creates a range of tonal values, suggesting depth and texture. The drawing's small scale invites intimacy, drawing the viewer into the scene. The drawing also engages with a broader social commentary. The revelry of the young people is juxtaposed with images of labor and death, perhaps as an allegory of the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of one's youth. The artist draws attention to the human condition, and the relationship between work, pleasure, and mortality. By considering the material, the making, and the social context of this drawing, we can appreciate its richness and complexity, moving beyond traditional distinctions between high art and craft.