Harmen ter Borch
Harmen ter Borch belonged to a family of artists in Zwolle. His father, Gerard ter Borch the Elder, kept a collection of his children's early drawings. This archive preserved Harmen's childhood sketches, including a list of colour symbols. These documents show a young artist learning his craft through direct observation of his siblings and neighbours.
Biography
His work often features figures seen from behind or in quiet, domestic moments. In 'Naaiend meisje, zittend naast haar pop', he captures a girl sewing next to her doll. He avoided the grand narratives of history painting. Instead, he focused on the physical posture of his subjects. His drawings of men in conversation or a boy with a jug use simple lines to describe weight and movement. He recorded the winter ice and the daily habits of the Dutch Republic with a clear, unsentimental eye.
Modern collectors value the honesty in these 17th-century sketches. The compositions are often minimalist. A single figure against a plain background feels contemporary. These prints offer a window into the private lives of the past without the heavy symbolism found in larger oil paintings. They provide a sense of calm and order for a home gallery.
Notable Works
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Harmen ter Borch prints
Hand-finished archival prints from Harmen ter Borch's body of work.
Twee vrouwen duwen een slede met twee kinderen - Harmen ter Borch
From £28.00
Drie staande figuren, de voorste draagt emmers - Harmen ter Borch
From £28.00
Man leunend op een stok terwijl hij naar rechts loopt, van achteren - Harmen ter Borch
From £28.00
Tobias and the Angel - Harmen ter Borch
From £37.00
Lijst met kleursymbolen - Harmen ter Borch
From £28.00
Jongen met een mand aan zijn arm - Harmen ter Borch
From £28.00
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See all Harmen ter Borch prints →Frequently Asked Questions
When was Harmen ter Borch born?
Harmen ter Borch was born in 1638 and died in 1677.What is Harmen ter Borch known for?
Harmen ter Borch is known for harmen ter Borch was a Dutch draughtsman who captured the quiet, domestic life of 17th-century Zwolle through minimalist sketches and direct observations of his family.