Touwtrekkende jongens Possibly 1651 - 1657

Harmen ter Borch’s "Touwtrekkende jongens," or "Boys Playing Tug-of-War," drawn with pen in 1651, captures a vibrant scene of youthful play. Ter Borch lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by significant economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, and complex social hierarchies. In the drawing, we see the embodiment of boyhood, yet, it's important to consider who had the luxury of such leisure during this time. The clothing and apparent freedom of these boys suggests a certain level of privilege. They were likely not burdened by the same economic hardships faced by many during the Golden Age. In a society that was beginning to grapple with new ideas about childhood and education, Ter Borch’s work offers a glimpse into the lives of boys who are testing their strength and social bonds. What could otherwise be taken as a simple play scene reveals subtle nuances about identity, leisure, and social standing in the 17th-century Netherlands.