Jongen op het punt staand om een bal te gooien Possibly 1651 - 1652

This drawing, ‘Boy About to Throw a Ball,’ was made in 1651 by Harmen ter Borch, using pen and brown ink, and brush in grey. It's a simple combination of materials, but they're deftly handled. Look at the washes of grey ink, establishing shadow and volume with incredible economy. The pen lines are equally assured, capturing the boy's tense pose. Ter Borch clearly knew his way around these media. The quick, confident strokes suggest he made many such drawings, honing his skills through constant practice. While not overtly political, works like this offer insight into the lives of ordinary people in the Dutch Golden Age. Leisure time was expanding beyond the aristocracy. This drawing celebrates everyday activity. Ultimately, drawings like this remind us that even seemingly simple works can reflect complex social and artistic conditions. By considering the materials and techniques employed, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artist's world and their place within it.