Frederik Hendrik legt de eed af als stadhouder, 1625 1786

Jacobus Buys created this drawing, Frederik Hendrik legt de eed af als stadhouder, 1625, with pen in gray on paper. The work’s composition is dominated by linear perspective, converging towards a vanishing point that emphasizes the importance of the central figure, Frederik Hendrik. The muted grey tones create a somber atmosphere, highlighting the solemnity of the oath-taking ceremony. Buys uses a minimalist approach, focusing on the architectural backdrop and the arrangement of figures to convey the scene's gravity. The stark lines and simplified forms emphasize the structured environment. This formal arrangement can be interpreted through the lens of power dynamics, where the architectural space and the assembly of figures signify institutional authority. The oath, as a symbolic act, becomes part of a larger discourse on governance, legitimacy, and the social contract. The drawing invites us to consider how power is visually constructed and communicated through formal means.