Overstroming van de Rijndijk in Gelderland, 1770 1787 - 1789

This is Jacobus Buys's 1770 ink drawing, "Flooding of the Rhine Dike in Gelderland," a harrowing portrayal of natural disaster. The immediate visual impression is one of chaos. Buys uses layered washes of ink to create depth and atmosphere. Notice how the monochromatic palette evokes a somber mood, mirroring the desperation of the figures. The composition is structured around a stark contrast between the grounded tree on the right and the turbulent waters dominating the background. This juxtaposition serves to destabilize our sense of security, questioning our relationship to the natural world. The figures, rendered with frantic gestures, punctuate the scene. Their raised arms and contorted postures introduce a theatrical element, underscoring the emotional impact of the event. The artist's use of line—thick in some areas, fading in others—emphasizes the dynamic movement of the water. It also draws attention to the psychological states of the figures. Ultimately, the power of this drawing lies in its formal tension between order and chaos, control and loss. It invites us to consider the fragile nature of human existence in the face of overwhelming forces.