Gedicht ter nagedachtenis aan Moses ter Borch after 1667

This is "Gedicht ter nagedachtenis aan Moses ter Borch," a memorial poem for Moses ter Borch, created by Gesina ter Borch. Gesina was a Dutch Golden Age watercolorist and calligrapher, and this piece, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a poignant example of her artistic expression. As a woman artist in the 17th century, Gesina occupied a unique position in Dutch society. The poem commemorates her brother Moses, reflecting the deep familial bonds and personal losses that shaped her life. The delicate calligraphy and heartfelt verse provide insight into the emotional landscape of a woman navigating life and loss in a patriarchal society. The act of creating such a memorial was itself a powerful statement. It allowed Gesina to inscribe her personal narrative and emotional experiences into the historical record. In doing so she defied the conventional representation of women during this period. The poem then becomes more than just a memorial; it is a testament to the resilience and creative expression of a woman artist carving out her own space.