Gezicht op een kerk 1627 - 1690

Gerard ter Borch the Younger made this drawing of a church using graphite on paper sometime in the 17th century. The qualities of graphite lend themselves to the depiction of light and shadow. Notice how the artist uses the material to create depth and texture through the depiction of the church, fence and landscape. The varied pressure and strokes suggest the artist’s understanding of the material's potential for capturing the essence of a scene with efficiency and a high level of control, enabling the creation of subtle gradations and fine details. Ter Borch likely sketched this drawing en plein air, as the immediacy of the graphite medium allowed him to quickly capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere on location, rather than in the studio. The sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's preliminary process and way of thinking, and invites reflection on the significance of drawing as a fundamental practice in the fine arts.