De bergrede (?) 1673 - 1763

This drawing was made by Herman Coets in the late 17th century, and it's rendered in a warm sanguine color. The use of this earthy pigment on paper has a direct relationship with the depicted biblical scene of ‘The Sermon on the Mount’. Looking at the scale, you might assume this was a quick sketch, a preliminary exploration. And yet, consider the meticulousness of its making. The artist's hand is evident in the delicate strokes, defining the crowd listening to Christ, and the sweeping landscape. This level of detail suggests time, labor, and care. Back then, the production of paper and pigment involved significant manual work. These materials weren't casually available, and the making processes were far from automated. So, the drawing signifies more than just artistic expression; it's an artifact tied to material conditions of labor and resource. Appreciating such qualities helps us to expand the boundaries of traditional art history.