Man leunend op een stok terwijl hij naar rechts loopt, van achteren c. 1652

Harmen ter Borch created this ink drawing of a man leaning on a stick sometime in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic experienced a Golden Age, marked by prosperity and a flourishing of the arts. The drawing captures a figure in motion, his form rendered with loose strokes that suggest both weariness and resolve. Seen from behind, the man's identity remains ambiguous. Is he a laborer returning home after a long day's work, or perhaps a traveler journeying through the Dutch countryside? Ter Borch’s choice to depict the man from behind invites contemplation on themes of anonymity and the human condition. The walking stick is a poignant symbol of support and resilience in the face of life's challenges. This work not only captures a moment in time, but also resonates with the universal experience of navigating life's journey.