Dodelijke val van Willem III van zijn paard, 4 maart 1702 1792 - 1794

This drawing, "Dodelijke val van Willem III van zijn paard, 4 maart 1702," was created by Jacobus Buys. We don’t know exactly when, but Buys was active in the 18th century. The artwork is rendered in pen and brush, with grey ink and graphite on paper. It depicts a dramatic moment: the fall of William III from his horse, an event that led to his death. Look closely at the artist’s technique. Buys used the pen to create fine, precise lines, giving the image detail and structure. The brush, combined with grey ink, adds tonal depth, creating shadows and highlights. The choice of drawing as a medium is significant. Unlike painting, drawing allows for quick and direct expression. Buys captures a fleeting moment, emphasizing the fragility of life. The use of grey ink and graphite adds to the somber mood, reflecting the tragedy of the event. By focusing on the materiality and process of this drawing, we can see how Buys elevates a historical event to a work of art, blurring the lines between reportage and memorial.