Jongen met een mand aan zijn arm c. 1649

Harmen ter Borch created this sketch, "Boy with a Basket on his Arm," using pen in the 17th century. The composition is defined by stark contrasts; the light paper ground against the dark, confident strokes. It's a study in form and movement, capturing a figure in the midst of action with minimal detail. The artist uses lines to suggest depth and texture, particularly in the woven basket and the folds of the boy's clothing. This economy of means speaks to a broader artistic concern of the period: how to convey the essence of a subject with the least amount of ornamentation. Ter Borch's sketch reflects the influence of classical ideals, emphasizing simplicity and clarity. The sketch destabilizes established meanings by presenting a figure without context, inviting viewers to project their own narratives onto the scene. This open-endedness aligns with post-structuralist thought, which challenges fixed meanings and emphasizes the role of the viewer in constructing interpretation. Note how the unfinished quality of the drawing further contributes to this sense of possibility.