Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Acquires Gesina ter Borch's Sole Signed Painting
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced a significant new acquisition: the only known signed oil painting by Gesina ter Borch (1631-1690). This rare artwork, Portrait of Moses ter Borch as a Two Year Old, offers a unique insight into the oeuvre of an important 17th-century Dutch artist primarily known for her watercolour drawings. The painting was acquired at TEFAF with the support of the ‘Women of the Rijksmuseum’ Fund, following its discovery at an antiques dealership in France.
Exploring the Poignant Portrait of Moses ter Borch
The acquired painting is a moving posthumous portrait of Gesina ter Borch’s younger brother, Moses, depicting him at the tender age of two. Though inscribed with the year 1647, art historians believe it was painted around 20 years later, after Moses’s death. The artwork captures the child dressed in a white apron and a feathered hat, surrounded by toys that subtly hint at his future life as a soldier, including a drum, drumsticks, a toy horse, and a sword. This deeply personal work conveys themes of loss and the enduring power of cherished memories, which remain impactful over three centuries later.
Gesina ter Borch: An Unseen Side of a Noted Draughtswoman
Gesina ter Borch, who lived and worked her entire life in Zwolle, is celebrated for her extensive collection of exquisite and original watercolour drawings. While historical records suggested she also worked in oil paints, no undisputed signed oil painting had been found until this acquisition. Her role in preserving her family's artistic legacy, including works by her father and brothers, was crucial. The Rijksmuseum has housed the Ter Borch family's artistic estate since 1886, which includes 59 individual drawings and three albums of watercolour drawings by Gesina. This new oil painting now significantly broadens the understanding of her artistic range.
The Ter Borch Family's Enduring Legacy at the Rijksmuseum
The Portrait of Moses ter Borch as a Two Year Old deepens the Rijksmuseum's already substantial collection related to the Ter Borch family. Moses ter Borch himself was a promising artist, and his sister Gesina’s albums in the museum contain several of his exceptional drawings. Tragically, Moses joined the Dutch Navy at 19 and died at 22 from injuries sustained during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The Rijksmuseum also holds another posthumous portrait of Moses, likely a collaboration between Gesina and her elder brother, Gerard ter Borch the Younger, whose numerous paintings are also part of the museum's collection.
New acquisitions like this are vital for enriching the collections in cultural institutions like the Rijksmuseum, often made possible through the generosity of private individuals, funds, and various forms of public and private support. This particular acquisition highlights the ongoing effort to expand and deepen our understanding of Dutch art history.
Visitors planning a trip to the capital can discover more about Amsterdam's rich cultural scene. To explore the diverse range of exhibitions and collections available, browse more museums in Amsterdam or see what's currently on display at various cultural spots across the city through Musemap (musemap.art).
