Lopende vrouw Possibly 1651

Harmen ter Borch created this sketch of a running woman in the 17th century. Ter Borch lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic, scientific, and artistic prosperity in the Netherlands. In this small sketch, the woman’s skirt billows, indicating forward motion, and her arms are outstretched to maintain her balance. Her head covering suggests she is a woman of faith. The sketch captures a moment of energy. But it also reflects the limited roles assigned to women during this period. While the Golden Age saw advancements in many areas, women's lives remained largely confined to the domestic sphere. There is an urgency to this drawing. Is she running towards something, or away? Does she defy or embody societal expectations? The sketch offers a glimpse into a life in motion, inviting us to consider the complexities of identity and circumstance in the Dutch Golden Age.