Gelegenheidsgedicht voor Gesina ter Borchs verjaardag (deel 2) Possibly 1660

This is a handwritten poem for Gesina ter Borch's birthday, created in 1660 by Henrik Jordis. During the Dutch Golden Age, poetry was a way to express personal and social values; this artwork is more than just a birthday greeting. It’s a window into the intimate circles of 17th-century Dutch society. The poem speaks of Gesina's virtues and connects her personal qualities with broader moral and religious ideals, reflecting the era’s emphasis on piety and virtue, especially for women. In the lines, Jordis touches on themes of duty, service, and divine favor, intertwining Gesina’s identity with these cultural expectations. The act of handwriting itself carries meaning. In a time before mass printing, a handwritten poem was a personal and precious gift, indicative of the relationship between Jordis and ter Borch. As you reflect on the poem’s words and the careful script, consider how this artwork represents both personal affection and the societal values placed on women during the Dutch Golden Age.