Baljuw laat de koe wegvoeren 1618

Willem Pietersz. Buytewech made this drawing with pen in brown ink. The delicate lines belie the drama of the scene: a bailiff seizing a cow. Buytewech’s choice of pen and ink, rather than paint, suggests a focus on process and detail. The controlled lines and cross-hatching create depth and texture, emphasizing the weight of the cow. Each character is meticulously rendered, the bailiff’s stern expression contrasting with the farmer's distress, capturing a moment heavy with social and economic implications. The drawing provides insight into the power dynamics of the time. In essence, it's a study in labor, class, and consumption, prompting viewers to consider how these forces shape our lives. Buytewech challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistic merit and social commentary embedded in the work.