Buste van een jongeman c. 1612 - 1613

Gerard ter Borch the Elder made this bust of a young man, and it's rendered in pen and brown ink, with brown wash, on paper. The relatively simple materials belie the skill involved in creating such a lifelike impression. The ink, fluid and responsive, allows for fine lines and subtle gradations of tone. The artist coaxes depth and form from the paper, using hatching to suggest the fall of light on the young man's face and clothing. The choice of materials speaks to a tradition of draftsmanship, where mastery of line and tone were highly valued. But the artist’s hand is evident in every stroke, reminding us of the labor and skill required to bring such an image into being. This work invites us to consider how artistic skill, combined with simple materials, can create objects of enduring beauty and significance.