Heer die een schoen strikt en kluizenaar die een mantel aangeeft before 1653

Gesina ter Borch, a Dutch artist, made this pen and watercolor drawing called "Man Tying a Shoe and Hermit Giving a Cloak" sometime in the 17th century. In two scenes, Ter Borch contrasts social status with Christian values. On the left, a man kneels to tie a wealthy woman's shoe while another woman looks on. This illustrates the subservient role often imposed on lower classes. On the right, a hermit gives his cloak to a man, portraying the Christian value of charity. Ter Borch, as a woman artist in a patriarchal society, likely experienced and observed the dynamics of power and gender roles. The drawing prompts us to consider the complexities of social hierarchies, as well as question conventional representations of gender, class, and morality. Ter Borch invites us to reflect on how these values play out in our own lives.