Zware ijsgang in de Waal, 23 januari 1789 Possibly 1789 - 1801

Jacobus Buys created this drawing of heavy ice on the Waal river in 1789 using pen, brush and gray ink. The techniques employed here are part of a long tradition in Dutch landscape art, where capturing the subtleties of light and atmosphere was highly valued. Look closely, and you will notice that Buys has rendered the scene with remarkable detail, given the limited materials at hand. The stark contrast between the dark ink and the light paper creates a sense of depth and texture, especially in the depiction of the ice floes. The artist's careful application of ink washes adds tonal variation and dimension to the landscape. Consider how the social context of the time might have influenced this work. The severe winter of 1789 undoubtedly had a significant impact on the lives of ordinary people, disrupting trade and transportation routes. By focusing on the material conditions of daily life, Buys elevates the status of craft and challenges traditional distinctions between art and documentation.