Ruïne van Huis te Foreest of Oosterwijk before 1661

This pen and wash drawing by Jan van Aken, created before 1661, depicts the ruins of Huis te Foreest, a castle in Oosterwijk, Netherlands. The crumbling structure stands partially submerged in water, with a lone tree casting shade over the scene. The artist uses a muted palette and subtle washes to capture the melancholic beauty of the ruined castle. This evocative depiction of the once-grand structure reflects a growing interest in ruins as subjects of artistic expression during the 17th century, reflecting the passage of time and the fragility of human constructions.