Self-possession of Fabricius, the Ambassador, under rather Trying Circumstances 

This drawing was made by John Leech, though the date is not known. Executed with precise linework, the composition centers on two figures amidst a flurry of visual information. The stark contrast between the figures and the dense backdrop creates a dynamic interplay of foreground and background, drawing the eye across the scene. Note how vertical lines in the background, achieved with tightly packed hatching, make for a somewhat claustrophobic setting. This is contrasted by the light source above, which may serve to elevate the figures. There are signs within a sign here, if you will. Leech explores themes of composure and authority, challenging traditional representations through the subversion of classical motifs. The characters and symbols invite multiple interpretations and destabilize fixed meanings, thus inviting you to explore beyond the surface. Ultimately, the artwork functions not just as a visual spectacle but as a complex cultural and philosophical statement.