Twee jongetjes, van achteren gezien 1631 - 1650

Gerard ter Borch made this drawing of two young boys from behind with black chalk. Ter Borch was a master of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands. His paintings often depicted scenes of everyday life, particularly among the wealthy merchant class. This drawing, though simple in its composition, gives insight into the social codes of the time. The image can be seen as an example of the era’s interest in representing social order. Ter Borch's art doesn't overtly critique the social structures of his time, but it provides a window into the lives and values of a society undergoing significant transformation. To understand art fully, we must consider the social conditions that shaped its production, relying on resources such as historical archives, and studies of costume and social custom.