Beëdiging van het College van Gecommitteerden door de schutter-officieren op de Neude te Utrecht, 1786 Possibly 1786 - 1788

Cornelis van Cuylenburgh the second created this drawing in 1786. It shows a scene in muted grey tones, dominated by the precise, linear forms of buildings and the disciplined ranks of soldiers on the Neude in Utrecht. The composition carefully balances the architectural solidity of the buildings on the left with the open space filled by the gathering on the right. This juxtaposition highlights the rigid social structures of the time against the dynamic movement of the crowd. The artist uses line and perspective to draw the viewer's eye through the scene, emphasizing the order and formality of the event. Consider how the detailed rendering of the architecture reflects a broader cultural emphasis on reason and order during the late 18th century. The drawing not only captures a historical moment but also serves as a study in the interplay between power, representation, and public space.