Paard en ruiter c. 1625 - 1655

Gerard ter Borch made this sketch of a horse and rider with pen and brown ink in the 17th century. Ter Borch was a Dutch Golden Age painter, draughtsman, and printmaker, known for his scenes of genre and portraits. This energetic sketch gives us an insight into the cultural importance of equestrianism at the time, a pursuit associated with nobility and military prowess. Although a quick drawing, it invokes the tradition of equestrian portraiture, a visual language that has historically represented power, authority, and status. During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic witnessed significant social change alongside its economic boom. Ter Borch's sketch may be a commentary on this shifting society. To fully understand this piece, one needs to delve into the culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Researching costume, military history, and artistic conventions of the time, one can place it within the context of emerging social mobility. This little sketch reflects big changes.