A dynamic 1661 ink and wash drawing by Moses ter Borch depicting the biblical Cleansing of the Temple.

This drawing by Moses ter Borch, dated 1661, captures the dramatic biblical narrative of the Cleansing of the Temple. Executed in pen and brown ink with grey wash, the work demonstrates the artist's ability to convey movement and tension within a confined space. The central figure of Christ is depicted with a raised arm, wielding a whip to drive out the money changers. The composition is structured around this dynamic action, with figures recoiling and furniture overturned to suggest the chaos of the scene.

Moses ter Borch, a member of the prominent Ter Borch family of artists, produced this work during his brief career. His style in this drawing reflects the influence of his father, Gerard ter Borch the Elder, and the broader traditions of seventeenth-century Dutch draughtsmanship. The use of wash creates a sense of depth and volume, allowing the figures to emerge from the shadows of the temple interior. The single candle visible in the background provides a source of light that directs the viewer's eye toward the central confrontation.

As a study of human emotion and physical reaction, the drawing avoids excessive detail, focusing instead on the immediate impact of the event. The lines are fluid and expressive, characteristic of the sketches produced by the Ter Borch circle. This piece offers a glimpse into the artistic training and thematic interests of a young artist whose life was cut short. It remains a compelling example of how biblical subjects were interpreted through the lens of Dutch Golden Age realism, prioritising the human experience of the narrative over purely decorative elements. The work is preserved in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, providing a clear record of the artist's technical proficiency and his engagement with classical religious themes.