De onomkoopbare rechter 1565 - 1574

Dirck Pietersz. Crabeth made this drawing, "The Unbribable Judge," using graphite on paper, sometime in the 16th century. It depicts a judge sitting on a throne, flanked by two figures, one seemingly offering a bribe, with a dog lying at the judge's feet. The drawing's linear quality emphasizes the physical labor involved in its creation. Each stroke carefully placed, building up the composition. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure and density of the graphite, creating depth and volume. Although it is a sketch, you can tell that Crabeth would have been trained in workshops. The production of drawings like these speaks to the artist's skill and dedication to their craft. The choice of graphite on paper is significant. A relatively accessible material, it allowed for quick and efficient production of preparatory sketches, and in turn, a quick route to disseminating imagery. This suggests the drawing was likely made in preparation for a larger project. The subject matter reflects contemporary social concerns about justice and corruption, adding another layer of meaning to this intriguing work. It challenges us to consider the social and economic factors that influenced its creation.