Moord te Woerden op H. van Loon, 1813 1813 - 1814

Editor: Here we have Willem van Senus’ pen and ink drawing, “Moord te Woerden op H. van Loon, 1813”, placing the death of Hermanus van Loon center stage. The stark lines almost feel detached, yet the event itself is undeniably violent. What stands out to you about this work? Curator: I am struck by the tension between the medium, the cheapness of pen and ink, and the subject matter, a politically charged assassination. Consider the means of production: This wasn't a commissioned history painting on a grand scale. This was a drawing, perhaps intended for wider circulation, aimed at a broader audience. Editor: So, you’re thinking about the social impact of using these materials? Curator: Precisely. The accessibility of the medium suggests a desire to disseminate this image widely. Pen and ink allowed for quick reproduction, making it a tool for shaping public opinion and discourse surrounding the event. Who had access to these tools? Who was the artist trying to reach? Editor: It almost feels like a news illustration. Do you think the artist intended to evoke such feelings from the audience? Curator: Perhaps. Realism as a movement wasn’t quite established at the time, but certainly this artwork sought a different experience than romantic painting would. Notice, the event itself is presented without much embellishment, the architecture appears plain and quotidian, almost emphasizing the banality of state-sanctioned violence. Editor: So, the choice of material wasn't just about cost, but about accessibility and impact, especially in shaping public discourse during a time of political upheaval? Curator: Exactly. The artwork invites us to think about not only the event, but how its depiction contributes to a wider conversation on power, justice and resistance, and who benefits from telling that story. Editor: I’ve never thought of pen and ink with such powerful capacity! Thank you.