Kaartspelers in een interieur c. 1660

Gesina ter Borch made this watercolor drawing of card players in an interior in the Netherlands, probably in the mid-17th century. At first glance, it's a simple domestic scene, but Ter Borch was interested in more than just depicting everyday life. Look closely, and you will see the figures are arranged around the table in a way that suggests social dynamics. The two women might represent different generations, while the men appear to be of similar age and status. The presence of the servant suggests a level of wealth and social hierarchy. Ter Borch subtly critiques the social structures of her time. The inclusion of guns above the bed and the map on the wall are indicators of the Netherlands’ militarism and their influence over global trade during this period. To fully understand this work, we might consult Dutch social histories, family records, and studies of material culture. Art history is about understanding the complex social conditions in which art is made and how that artwork reflects, reinforces, or challenges those conditions.