Dame en heer in gesprek c. 1654

This watercolor by Gesina ter Borch, made in the seventeenth century, shows a lady and a gentleman in conversation, frozen on the page of a book. The gentleman extends his gloved hand, while the lady holds a fan, both common motifs in depictions of courtship. The fan, a symbol of status and coquetry, has ancient roots. Think of the flabella used in religious ceremonies, or the peacock fans depicted in Renaissance paintings. Over time, this object of utility evolved into a prop used in the dance of courtship. Its presence here speaks to a shifting social dynamic, one where objects become laden with unspoken meanings. The power of such gestures lies in their ability to convey complex emotions and social cues. This silent language transcends time, echoing through different cultures and historical periods, revealing the enduring power of symbolism in human interaction.