Aanstelling van twee nieuwe burgemeesters te Amsterdam, 1787 1787

This drawing, made in 1787 by Willem Kok, depicts the appointment of two new mayors in Amsterdam. It’s rendered in pen and brush, using ink and gray wash, and is a masterclass in economical mark-making. Look closely, and you’ll notice how Kok creates a remarkable sense of depth, using the barest of means. The buildings are suggested with just a few strokes, yet they are instantly recognizable. Even the crowd assembled for the ceremony is evoked through a deft shorthand. What’s truly remarkable is the way Kok captures the atmosphere of the event. The gray wash creates a sense of overcast skies, and the overall effect is one of solemnity and civic duty. Kok’s technique is rooted in a long tradition of Dutch draftsmanship, where clarity and precision were highly valued. He was clearly a skilled artist, able to convey a great deal with relatively little effort. But it’s also worth considering the social context of this drawing. In a time of political upheaval, Kok’s image of civic order speaks to the enduring values of Dutch society, captured in a way that is both technically impressive and culturally resonant.