Figuren rond een standbeeld van de Minerva als Roma 1680 - 1731

Jan Goeree created this drawing, "Figuren rond een standbeeld van de Minerva als Roma," using pen and brush in grey ink, around the turn of the 18th century. It’s a classical scene, complete with statuary and Roman soldiers, yet it is rendered with fluid, energetic lines, bringing it vividly to life. The drawing’s power resides in this interplay of formal, almost academic subject matter, and the artist’s evident pleasure in the handling of his materials. Look closely, and you can see the subtle variations in tone achieved by layering the grey ink. Notice, too, how Goeree uses the varying thickness of his lines to create a sense of depth and volume. The use of pen and brush allowed for both precision and expressive freedom, a combination that perfectly suits the image. While the subject matter might suggest a grand, historical narrative, the artist’s technique keeps the drawing intimate and immediate. This reminds us that even the most imposing subjects are always filtered through the artist’s hand.