Lodewijk Ernst hertog van Brunswijk-Wolfenbüttel legt de eed als veldmaarschalk af, 1759 1759 - 1801

Jacobus Buys made this drawing of Lodewijk Ernst, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, taking an oath as field marshal in 1759, using pen and brush in grey ink and grey wash. The artist has used the translucence of the paper to create depth in the architectural details and the characters portrayed in the drawing. With a thin application of grey wash, Buys has subtly modeled the figures, giving a sense of volume without losing the fineness of the line work. The controlled hatching and cross-hatching build up tone and shadow, skillfully suggesting textures from the Duke's uniform to the ornate walls. Drawings such as these were often made in preparation for prints, a reproductive medium that democratized images, but they are objects in their own right. The artist's skill and the labor involved in creating such a detailed work elevates the status of this drawing beyond a mere study. The layered application of ink and wash showcases the artist's refined skills, reminding us that 'craft' is not separate from 'fine art.'