King Jarmeric puts captured Wends to the torture 1637 - 1737

Gerard van Honthorst made this drawing of King Jarmeric torturing Wends using pen and brown ink, with brown wash, over black chalk. The sepia tones establish a somber mood, fitting for the subject matter. This wasn't painting, with its costly pigments and oils; drawing was preparatory and in this case, it also served as a kind of reportage. The linear precision of the pen captures the agonized contortions of the Wends, contrasting with the smooth washes that give depth to the figures and the landscape. Honthorst’s choice of medium speaks volumes about the artwork's purpose and audience. Drawings like these were more easily circulated among a wider audience, spreading both information and propaganda, shaping perceptions of power and justice in the 17th century. They remind us that even the simplest materials can carry weighty narratives.