Semiramis trekt ten strijde 1677 - 1755

Elias van Nijmegen made this drawing, “Semiramis trekt ten strijde,” with pen and brush in grey ink and watercolour. The artist utilized accessible, traditional materials for this drawing to evoke a sense of classical antiquity. The thinness of the ink and watercolour allows the paper to show through, creating a sense of depth. The artist's hand is evident in the varying line weights and the subtle washes of color that define the forms and the textures of the figures. The drawing is an orchestration of strokes, lines, and washes that bring the scene to life. The classical subject matter, depicted with fluid lines and understated color, suggests a level of artistic skill and refinement. While not overtly political, the drawing, with its attention to detail and artistic execution, speaks to the cultural values of the time. The artist is not just documenting a scene, but also demonstrating the value that society places on artistic skill.