1428 / De oude Heer van Arkel sterft aan het eten van een overgrooten aal 1893 - 1895

Here is the text for your audio guide: This ink drawing by Johan Huizinga depicts the death of the old Lord of Arkel, supposedly caused by eating a large eel. The simplicity of line belies the complexity of its creation. Huizinga’s choice of ink on paper isn’t just about ease or cost; it’s a deliberate engagement with a tradition of drawing and illustration. The stark lines and minimal shading recall the woodcut illustrations of medieval chronicles. The scene itself is rendered with careful detail. Look at the faces of the onlookers, their expressions ranging from concern to grim fascination. The Lord of Arkel's demise is not glorified; instead, it's a moment of stark reality, brutally rendered. The black ink used for the pool of blood is echoed in the lettering at the bottom of the drawing. Consider how the material, the act of drawing with ink, and the subject matter are all deeply intertwined, reflecting on mortality, history, and the stories we tell about ourselves. It reminds us that even the most ordinary materials can convey profound meaning when placed in the hands of a skilled artist.