Harmen ter Borch made this drawing, ‘Cart with Horses in Front’, around 1650, using pen and brown ink. During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a vibrant hub of trade and agriculture, but this prosperity relied heavily on animal labor. In this simple sketch, we see not just a cart and horses, but a whole system of labor and economy. Horses, like the ones depicted here, were essential, yet their stories often remain untold. Ter Borch, who came from a well-to-do family, probably wouldn’t have been involved in the day to day labor of working with animals like this. But, there’s an undeniable beauty and respect in his lines. It makes you wonder about the individuals, often from marginalized communities, who worked with these animals. What were their lives like? What did they think about the animals they worked with? This image invites us to consider the lives of those who powered the Dutch Golden Age, encouraging us to reflect on labor, value, and the narratives we often overlook.