Pelom Pea c. 1660

This ink drawing on paper, "Pelom Pea," was made by Wouter Schouten in the late 17th century. It's a fascinating glimpse into a specific cultural moment, capturing the energy of a public event. The materiality here is straightforward: ink, paper, and the artist's hand. But look closely, and you'll see the dynamism achieved with simple means. Schouten's rapid lines convey not just the forms of people and boats, but also the bustle and excitement of the scene. He's using the fluidity of ink to suggest the constant motion of water and the lively interactions of the crowd. The drawing's significance lies in its documentary quality. It shows us a specific event, likely a "pelom pea" competition, a kind of water jousting popular in the Netherlands at the time. The labor is implied in the artist's hand, and in the physical exertion of those engaged in the game. By focusing on the materiality and the context of production, we can appreciate this work not just as a historical record, but also as a testament to the power of simple materials to capture a complex social reality. It reminds us that even a humble drawing can offer profound insights into the lives and culture of the past.