Hoofd van een jongen (zelfportret Moses?) 1660 - 1661

Here in the Rijksmuseum is Moses ter Borch's charcoal drawing, "Head of a Boy (Self-Portrait Moses?)." The direct gaze of the boy draws us in, evoking a sense of introspection. This intense gaze reminds us of the "pothos" formula – the visual representation of inner emotional states, seen in classical sculpture and later revitalized during the Renaissance. Think of the eyes of Laocoön, the Trojan priest, in his agony. The furrowed brow, the slightly opened mouth, and the deep shadows around the eyes evoke a similar emotional depth, inviting us to contemplate the internal landscape of the young Moses. The boy's unkempt hair contrasts with the formality typical of portraiture, suggesting a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the artist's soul. This pursuit of authentic expression, of conveying deep emotionality through subtle artistic choices, connects ter Borch to a long line of artists exploring the complexities of the human psyche. It is the very essence of human expression, echoing through the ages.