Vrouw leunend op een stok, van achteren 1651

Harmen ter Borch sketched this drawing of a woman leaning on a stick, from behind, around 1651. The stick is a recurring symbol in art history and ancient mythology. We find it represented in Ancient Greece with the figure of Tiresias, the blind prophet, who used a stick to guide him. Here, the walking stick takes on a different meaning, hinting at the woman’s fragility, marking the weight of time and the burdens she might carry. This motif transcends mere physical support, evolving into a symbol of perseverance in the face of life’s trials. Like the meandering paths we tread through life, the stick becomes an extension of the self, a silent companion in our journeys. This image resonates deeply, evoking feelings of empathy and introspection. This humble sketch, with its timeless symbol, invites us to reflect on our own human experiences.