Allegorie op de invoering van de tiende penning; de Nederlandse maagd geknield voor Alva temidden van verscheurde privileges, 1571 1778 - 1795

Jacobus Buys made this print in 1771 using pen in brown and gray ink, over graphite, on paper. It depicts an allegorical scene of the introduction of the Tenth Penny tax. The stark monochrome palette emphasizes the somber mood, with the artist using delicate lines and washes to create depth and shadow. You can see this in the folds of the heavy drapery. It's not just about aesthetics though; the very act of drawing, a laborious, painstaking process, mirrors the weight of the tax being imposed. The layered ink strokes create texture that visually evokes the shredded privileges scattered at Alva’s feet, reinforcing the tax's devastating impact on Dutch society. Buys skillfully uses the inherent qualities of ink and paper to create a powerful commentary on labor, politics, and consumption. Ultimately, this print invites us to consider the relationship between materials, making, and social context. It challenges the traditional divide between fine art and craft, revealing how even a simple drawing can convey profound meaning.