Hoofd van een jonge vrouw met een hoofddoek c. 1660

Moses ter Borch created this small drawing of a young woman's head with a headscarf using pen in gray ink and brush in gray on paper. Notice how the artist's hand delicately balances precision and fluidity. The soft, gray tones create a subdued, almost melancholic mood, inviting quiet contemplation. The woman's gaze is direct, yet there is a subtle vulnerability conveyed through the nuanced shading around her eyes and mouth. The lines defining the headscarf are loose and expressive, contrasting with the more defined facial features. This contrast draws attention to the woman's face, making it the focal point. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to give the face depth and volume. Ter Borch challenges fixed meanings by presenting an intimate portrait that combines formal precision with a palpable sense of human presence. The drawing prompts us to consider the interplay between representation and the individual, and the ability of art to evoke complex emotional responses through simple means.