Bloemetje c. 1656 - 1657

This is Bloemetje, a pen and ink drawing made by Moses ter Borch, sometime in the mid-17th century. Ter Borch's brief life, cut short at just 22, coincided with the Dutch Golden Age. Yet, Ter Borch lived a life of privilege, and whilst his more famous half-brother, Gesina, enjoyed a certain degree of freedom due to her gender, Moses lived within a highly structured society, with strict social hierarchies. This humble flower, almost hidden on the page, speaks volumes. Is it a quiet act of rebellion? Does it represent a yearning for the natural world, away from societal pressures? The delicate lines and simple form suggest a personal connection, a silent language amidst the clamor of expectations. Consider the unadorned presentation of the artwork, and the flower. It’s a poignant reminder that even within the most rigid of structures, there exists the capacity for individual expression, a whisper of the self waiting to be heard.