Aankomst van prins Willem V te 's-Gravenhage, 10 november 1762 1762 - 1782

Paulus Constantijn la Fargue created this drawing in 1762 depicting 'Aankomst van prins Willem V te 's-Gravenhage, 10 november 1762'. Its subdued palette and fine lines meticulously detail a historical moment. La Fargue’s composition is structured around a central axis, drawing our eye along a vanishing point that emphasizes depth. Buildings flank the central avenue, framing the procession of figures and carriages, creating a stage-like setting. The artist uses line and form to depict the crowd, yet individual faces are less important than the collective body. The drawing invokes questions about power and representation. The prince's arrival, the assembled crowd, and the architectural backdrop all contribute to a narrative about authority, the construction of public image, and the role of the state within society. The interplay between architectural order and the lively chaos of the crowd reflects the negotiation between structure and agency. While seemingly documentary, the artist's choices about composition, perspective, and line articulate a precise vision of civic life, underlining how art mediates our understanding of historical events.