Man met een zak en man met een mand Possibly 1651 - 1652

Harmen ter Borch made this drawing of two men, one with a sack, the other with a basket, using pen in grey-brown ink in the 17th century. This work is a reminder of the fundamental role of drawing as a documentary medium. It's not so much about aesthetic refinement, but rather about capturing details of everyday life. The artist emphasizes the weight and burden of labor, the way these men must have strained under heavy loads. The use of ink, applied with fine lines, conveys the texture of the coarse fabrics they wore, the sweat on their brows, and the callouses on their hands. These details offer insight into their physical exertion and their place in the working class. The artist's hand, guided by keen observation, transforms the ordinary into a testament of the lives of these laborers. Ultimately, this drawing is a powerful statement about the value of labor. Ter Borch urges us to recognize the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their social standing.