In de wind lopende figuren op een rij Possibly 1648

Harmen ter Borch created this pen and brown ink drawing of figures walking against the wind in the 17th century. The Dutch Golden Age was a period of immense cultural and economic growth for the Netherlands, yet life's daily struggles remained palpable for much of the population. Ter Borch captures a slice of this existence, presenting a diverse group of figures battling the elements. Gender and class dynamics are subtly portrayed through clothing and posture. Note how women's skirts and shawls billow around them, contrasting with the more robust strides of the men in their cloaks and hats. The emotional tension is striking, with the wind serving as an almost allegorical force. The image does not depict the idealized version of Dutch life often seen in paintings of the era. Instead, it captures a more visceral, shared experience of ordinary people confronting nature's unpredictability. This offers a glimpse into the personal and collective resilience required to navigate the physical and social climate of the time.