Burgemeester Westerwijk te Goes uit de gevangenis geleid, 1692 1785

Jacobus Buys created this pen and wash drawing in 1785. It depicts an event that took place almost a century earlier, using the established drawing techniques of the time to bring history to life. The work's monochrome palette, achieved with delicate washes of ink, emphasizes the narrative's drama, focusing on the postures and interactions of the figures. The choice of pen and wash is significant. It provided Buys with the flexibility to create detailed linework, seen in the character's faces, while adding tonal depth, particularly evident in the prison's stark architecture. Consider the labor involved in producing such a drawing. Each stroke of the pen, each carefully applied wash, contributed to the overall composition, reflecting the artist's skill. But what about the labor depicted? The plight of Mayor Westerwijk, imprisoned, then liberated, raises questions about class, power and freedom. Looking closely at the materials and making of the artwork enriches our understanding of its historical and social context. It's a reminder that even the simplest drawings can reveal complex histories.