Lopende herderin c. 1654

Curator: Welcome. Before us is "Lopende Herderin," or "Running Shepherdess," a drawing rendered circa 1654 by Gesina ter Borch. This captivating work, presently residing in the Rijksmuseum, is skillfully crafted with pen and brown ink on paper. Editor: My first impression? A burst of life, almost hurried. There's a sense of immediate action; the figure seems caught in motion. Curator: Precisely. Ter Borch’s background really informs this sense of immediacy. She was a member of a prominent family deeply entrenched in the artistic and political circles of the Dutch Golden Age, offering a unique lens into 17th-century Dutch society. It is tempting to consider her positioning as a woman artist from this background shaping the scene. Editor: The composition seems rather unusual for a traditional portrait. She's not static or posed. Instead, the artist chooses to depict the woman in stride, lending a kind of rebellious air. How might this challenge conventional representations of women during this period? Curator: Traditionally, portraits during that time presented women as passive subjects. Gesina ter Borch instead seems interested in conveying energy, defying societal norms around feminine presentation. Editor: Look closely at the lines and ink. See how deftly the artist has suggested so much with such simple materials? She communicates this vibrant impression so gracefully! It prompts a discussion around contemporary constructions of femininity versus historic artistic representations. Curator: And let's remember that these drawings served a purpose, often functioning as preparatory sketches or models for larger works, circulated among artists, collected by enthusiasts. They had a social life beyond their creation, indicative of a lively exchange within artistic communities. The Rijksmuseum context positions it within Dutch cultural heritage, ascribing significance to both her as a woman and to her artwork in shaping understandings of the Dutch Golden Age. Editor: Yes, situating "Lopende Herderin" within these layered contexts brings forward intriguing questions about agency and self-representation. Ter Borch provides a vibrant, active female presence in her drawing that resonates even now. Thank you, it’s provided such new considerations around her, this image, and what they contribute. Curator: A pleasure, thank you for the dialogue that highlighted so beautifully what is exciting about the cultural legacies visible within.