Veldslag met ridders 1842 - 1850

This watercolor drawing, "Veldslag met ridders," or "Battle with Knights," was made by Roeland Christiaan Korthals. The layered washes of watercolor create a scene of chaos and movement. Look closely at the details of the knights' armor. The rendering of the metal suggests a fascination with its reflective qualities, achieved through delicate brushwork. We can only imagine that this armor was forged with great effort. The artist gives us a sense of the weight carried by each combatant and the amount of labor involved in the production of such detailed and functional objects. Consider too the social context of such battles, which were pivotal moments in shaping power structures and territories. Korthals's artistic skill brings to life not only the visual spectacle of the battle but also the underlying political and social dynamics at play. By focusing on the materiality and making of the scene, we gain a deeper appreciation of its historical and cultural significance. This drawing challenges us to see beyond the conventional boundaries of art and craft.