Heer die de hand van een dame kust 1656

Gesina ter Borch rendered this delicate watercolor and pen drawing, "Heer die de hand van een dame kust," sometime in the 17th century. It’s a scene of courtship, yet Ter Borch’s method, using humble materials, speaks volumes about the social context of her art. The thin washes of color, applied with incredible precision, give form to the figures, while the pen work is incredibly delicate, not just in depicting the subjects but also the ornate lettering, which adds a layer of narrative. We can think of the artwork as a physical manifestation of the artist's skill, made visible through the act of creation, and by engaging with the texture of the paper. Ter Borch’s choice of watercolor, a medium often associated with personal expression rather than grand public statements, puts focus on the artist's direct engagement with her subject. The intimacy of the scene reminds us to consider the value and labor involved in making art, and how this informs our understanding and appreciation. By elevating these concerns, she challenges traditional notions about fine art.