Gedicht met als boodschap dat een lage status groot gemak is c. 1658

This poem, whose title translates to “A poem with the message that a low status is a great convenience,” was written by Gesina ter Borch in the 17th century. Ter Borch was a Dutch Golden Age artist from an affluent family, but as a woman, her access to formal artistic training was limited. Her poems and visual works often touched on themes of domestic life, family, and personal reflection, but she was also deeply engaged with the social and political contexts of her time. This poem offers a glimpse into 17th-century Dutch society, where status and social mobility were significant concerns. Ter Borch suggests that there is a certain freedom and ease in not being burdened by the expectations and pressures of high society. The act of writing poetry was itself a form of agency and self-expression for women like ter Borch. It allowed her to engage with intellectual and cultural currents while navigating the constraints placed upon her by society. It invites us to reflect on the ways in which we define success and happiness, and challenges us to consider the value of simplicity.