Lezende broeder c. 1657

Gesina ter Borch created this watercolor of a reading brother in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. The brother stands in quiet contemplation, his gaze fixed on the pages of the book he holds. At this time, the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant religious and social upheaval. The rise of Protestantism challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to a period of intense religious conflict and reformation. Monasteries were dissolved or transformed, and the role of religious figures in society was questioned. Ter Borch's decision to depict a reading brother may reflect a nostalgia for a way of life that was gradually disappearing, or perhaps a commentary on the changing role of religion in Dutch society. The act of reading itself held cultural significance, as literacy rates increased and access to books became more widespread. To gain a deeper understanding of this artwork, we can turn to historical archives, religious texts, and social histories of the Dutch Republic. This kind of historical context helps us reveal the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in the 17th century.