Presentatie in de tempel 1660

This is ‘Presentation in the Temple’ by Moses ter Borch, made around 1660 with pen in grey-brown ink and brush in grey ink. The artist's choice to create this scene from the Bible using ink and brush, and the monochromatic palette, directs our attention to the materiality of the work. The fluidity of the ink allows for expressive lines and tonal variation. The artist’s hand is evident in the hatching, and the swift strokes used to render the figures and architectural details, giving the scene a sense of immediacy. Drawing was often seen as a preliminary stage, a means to an end for paintings, not highly valued. However, it can also be seen as a vital step within a process, a kind of labor. This piece allows us to appreciate the intrinsic value of the drawing and the significance of the artist's process and skill.