Kasteel Makken te Vierlingsbeek 1737

This drawing, "Kasteel Makken te Vierlingsbeek," was made by Jan de Beijer in the 18th century using pen and brown ink, and gray wash on paper. The choice of medium is significant here; the artist used traditional materials to depict a castle, which was, of course, built through considerable labor and materiality. Consider the amount of work involved in constructing such a building. The hewing of timber, the quarrying of stone, the making of brick and tile – all were profoundly physical activities. The pen and ink create subtle variations of light and shadow, giving the castle a sense of depth and solidity. The gray wash adds atmosphere, softening the edges and suggesting the passage of time. De Beijer's artistic choices draw attention to both the castle's architectural details and the labor involved in its creation. The drawing invites us to reflect on the relationship between art, labor, and social context, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.