De overrompeling van het Spaanse garnizoen op Slot Loevestein door Herman de Ruiter, december 1570 1789 - 1791

Jacobus Buys created this ink drawing titled 'The Overthrow of the Spanish Garrison at Loevestein Castle by Herman de Ruiter, December 1570’. Buys created this drawing long after the event, during a period of burgeoning Dutch nationalism, as the Dutch sought to define their identity through stories of courage and resistance against Spanish rule. The image freezes a moment of intense action where a group of Dutch soldiers are ambushing the Spanish garrison. But, like much historical art, this image presents a very specific point of view. Notice how the Spanish are depicted as the clear victims, overwhelmed and caught off guard. There's an emotional tension created by the imminent violence. The question of who gets to write history, and whose perspectives are centered in these narratives, is a complex one. Ultimately, this drawing prompts us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and the values they promote. It also reminds us that history is rarely a simple story of good versus evil, but a complex web of perspectives, motivations, and power dynamics.