Jongen doet hurkend zijn behoefte naast een hond c. 1656 - 1657

This pen and brown ink drawing by Moses ter Borch captures a candid moment: a boy squatting to relieve himself next to a dog. Ter Borch, living in the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic and cultural growth for the Netherlands, was also a time when cleanliness and public order were becoming increasingly important. Yet, this drawing offers a glimpse into the unvarnished realities of daily life, contrasting with the era's emphasis on decorum. The act of defecation, typically private, is brought into the open, challenging social taboos. The inclusion of the dog introduces an interesting parallel; is Ter Borch suggesting a shared, natural experience, or perhaps commenting on social stratification? We are left to consider how the artist’s personal experiences shaped his decision to depict such a mundane yet intimate moment. It's a compelling look at the intersection of humanity and the everyday, inviting us to reflect on our own relationship with nature, privacy, and the human body.