Graaf Floris III gevangengenomen door de graaf van Vlaanderen, 1165 1787 - 1795

Jacobus Buys made this drawing of Graaf Floris III’s capture in 1765, using pen, ink, and watercolor on paper. A seemingly simple medium, watercolor can in fact be incredibly demanding, requiring the artist to work quickly and decisively. Consider how the material's fluidity influences the image, creating soft washes that define the figures and the landscape. The ink lends definition, etching out outlines and adding depth through delicate hatching. The relatively small dimensions intimate and immediate engagement, inviting us into this historical scene. Buys was known for history paintings, a genre that often served political purposes. The labor involved in creating this drawing – the skilled hand of the artist, the careful application of each wash – speaks to the value placed on historical narratives during this period. By using this combination of pen, ink, and watercolor, Buys elevated a simple drawing into a powerful narrative. The choice of materials and the artist's skill transformed this artwork into more than just an illustration, but a piece of cultural commentary.