Wigbold Ripperda spreekt de burgers en de schutterij van Haarlem toe, december 1572 1793 - 1795

Curator: This drawing by Jacobus Buys, made between 1793 and 1795, depicts "Wigbold Ripperda addressing the citizens and militia of Haarlem, December 1572." Editor: The scene certainly carries weight. You can feel the tension radiating off those gathered. It looks to me like a stage – all very carefully presented for maximum impact. Curator: The artist utilizes the symbolic weight of leadership to portray a powerful moment. The raised hand, a universally understood symbol for directing attention, indicates Ripperda's command over his audience and the historical narrative at play. Notice how the light seems to almost shine on him as well? Editor: Absolutely, but it also brings out the qualities of the paper itself. You can really see the pen and ink's interaction with the page here. The textures seem so subtle; I'd love to know what kind of paper was used. This was a preliminary work, and to see those decisions laid bare, that materiality is exciting! The lines create the value! Curator: In that moment, Ripperda embodied defiance and resistance. These ideas continue to be potent motivators in the realm of visual rhetoric. His clothing is carefully detailed too - do you feel how it contributes to the creation of authority here? Editor: No doubt, the clothing marks class, but I see other class tensions. These guys seem so overdressed for this interior space. This wasn't off-the-cuff; there's staging involved here. Curator: Perhaps Buys hoped to inspire feelings of civic virtue, given that he was making this around the time of other revolutions. This image, therefore, echoes earlier ideals in a potent mix of historical reenactment. Editor: True. And consider the practical aspect. Ink and pen were comparatively accessible artistic materials, perfect for circulating such revolutionary ideas through prints. It brings the heroic moment down to Earth. Curator: In thinking about historical reenactment and civic virtue I realize there are multiple avenues to explore the ideas being made. Editor: Agreed, whether its paper source or historical sources both seem relevant in viewing this.