Lopende man, in profiel naar rechts Possibly 1653

This sketch of a man in motion was made in 1663 by Moses ter Borch, using pen and brown ink, with gray wash, on paper. The quick, confident strokes of the pen define the man’s figure, capturing his forward momentum. The controlled application of gray wash adds depth and shadow, bringing a sense of volume to the otherwise spare lines. The choice of ink and paper, humble materials readily available at the time, speaks to the immediacy and accessibility of drawing as a medium. This wasn't an expensive oil painting; it was a study, a fleeting observation captured on paper. The artist seems less concerned with idealized beauty, and more interested in the simple act of depicting a figure in motion. The economical use of materials is evident in the small size of the work. The artist has engaged with the everyday world around him, and has immortalized an ordinary man walking, elevating the mundane to the realm of art. This work reminds us that art doesn't always require grand gestures or precious materials. Sometimes, the most compelling works are those that capture the essence of everyday life with simple, honest means.