Het verraad van Rennenberg aan burgemeester Hillebrands, 1580 1789 - 1791

In this drawing Jacobus Buys, who was active in the late 1700s, used pen and brush in grey ink to depict a pivotal moment in Dutch history. It shows the betrayal of Rennenberg to Mayor Hillebrands in 1580. Looking closely, we can see how the choice of materials influences the overall impact of the artwork. The grey ink, applied with both pen and brush, creates a somber mood, fitting for the scene of betrayal. The artist's hand is evident in the delicate linework and subtle shading, giving the scene a sense of depth and drama. The choice of ink on paper creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the gravity of the moment. Buys was primarily an illustrator for books and pamphlets; printmaking processes were essential to spreading political messages. It is in this context of production that we can understand the drawing, as a means to communicate the values of the Dutch Republic. Materials, making, and context: they all inform the meaning of the artwork.