Installatie van Willem V als stadhouder in de Staten Generaal, 8 maart 1766 Possibly 1766 - 1801

Jacobus Buys created this watercolor and graphite drawing depicting the installation of Willem V in the Staten Generaal in 1766. The restricted palette and soft application of the watercolor, combined with the precision of graphite lines, create a subdued atmosphere, focusing attention on the figures and their interactions. Note how the artist employed these materials to carefully define the architecture, clothing, and faces of the subjects. The controlled washes of color subtly enhance the scene's depth, while the graphite provides sharp details that bring the characters to life. Consider how the choice of watercolor and graphite—relatively accessible materials—reflects the emerging middle-class patronage of art in the 18th century. Buys’s technique emphasizes clarity and detail, aligning with the Enlightenment values of observation and documentation. In this way, the drawing serves not only as a record of a significant political event but also embodies the era’s shifting social and intellectual currents. Appreciating the understated yet meticulous use of materials enriches our understanding of this historical moment.