Aankomst van stoet met Maria de' Medici bij de triomfpoort op de Varkenssluis, 1638 1638

Jan Martszen de Jonge made this drawing in 1638 using pen and brush in gray ink on paper. The monochromatic quality allows us to focus on the artist's technique. Look closely, and you’ll see the variety of marks and tones that bring this festive scene to life. De Jonge masterfully renders the textures of the architecture, the bustling crowd, and the elegant carriage transporting Maria de' Medici. Drawing, in the 17th century, was a fundamental skill, a means of documenting, planning, and communicating ideas. Artists relied on these drawings to hone their craft, and to record the world around them. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this drawing functions as a historical record, documenting not only a specific event but also the social and cultural landscape of Amsterdam in the 17th century. This work reminds us that the value of art lies not only in its subject matter but also in the skill, labor, and material choices that shape its creation.