Plundering en moord op de smid Huibert Willemszoon van de Eijcken door Spaanse troepen te Naarden, 1 december 1572 1786 - 1788

Jacobus Buys created this drawing depicting the plundering and murder of the smith Huibert Willemszoon van de Eijcken in 1724. The piece reflects the historical trauma of the Dutch Golden Age. It’s impossible to ignore the depiction of violence and social disruption in this image, as Spanish troops brutally murder Huibert Willemszoon amidst the pillaging of Naarden. The artist captures the raw emotion of the event, with the terror etched on the faces of the victims. Buys does not shy away from showing the gruesome consequences of conflict on ordinary people. The drawing invites us to consider the complexities of historical narratives. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering and learning from the past. The artist uses a traditional representation of this event to give voice to the victims and to challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power and oppression.