Laenas trekt een cirkel in het zand rond Antiochus IV Epiphanes 1752 - 1819

Jurriaan Andriessen rendered this wash drawing, depicting an ancient historical scene, with brush and gray ink. The image portrays Laenas drawing a circle in the sand around Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The nature of the wash drawing, with its thin paper and fluid ink, lends itself to quick execution. This allows for the capture of gestures, postures, and even the fleeting expressions of the figures. The artist harnessed the ink’s inherent qualities of transparency to model forms and create depth. Notice how the ink pools in certain areas, adding weight and shadow, while other areas are left virtually untouched, allowing the white of the paper to define highlights. The artist's mastery of the medium is evident in the way he evokes the rich narratives through simple means. Andriessen engages with a long history of drawing, yet his approach also reflects the practical demands of his time, where quick, efficient methods of image-making were highly valued. Appreciating the materials, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.