De doop van Christus c. 1617 - 1623

Gerard ter Borch created this drawing, "The Baptism of Christ," using pen and brown ink with a grey wash. Notice how the composition is arranged asymmetrically, with a cluster of figures towards the right and a solitary figure to the left. The figures are rendered with delicate, almost fragile lines that provide a sense of movement and lightness. The subtle shading, achieved through a grey wash, gives volume to the figures and depth to the landscape. This strategic use of light and shadow directs our attention to the core narrative event—the baptism itself. The landscape, though minimal, serves as a structural backdrop. The choice of such understated colors and delicate lines emphasizes the solemnity and spiritual weight of the event. Ter Borch destabilizes the grandeur typically associated with religious scenes. He focuses instead on quiet reverence and personal reflection. The viewer is invited to contemplate the spiritual significance of baptism through its formal and tonal qualities.