Frederik Hendrik wordt als veldheer in het Franse leger begroet, 1635 1784 - 1786

Curator: What we have here is "Frederik Hendrik wordt als veldheer in het Franse leger begroet, 1635", or "Frederik Hendrik Being Greeted as Commander in the French Army, 1635," a drawing by Jacobus Buys, dating back to between 1784 and 1786. It's currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. And what's your first impression of it? Editor: Hmm, my first thought is of a faded photograph, maybe an illustration from an old storybook. The light and shadow create a sort of dramatic intimacy, as though we’re peering into a secret meeting in a grandly painted clearing. Curator: I think you've hit on something there. The image's muted palette and delicate ink work do create that sense of something remembered, almost nostalgic. I love that it depicts a very specific historical event, but through Buys’ hand, it also carries a more universal theme of welcome, or perhaps, strategic alliance. It's not just about Frederik Hendrik; it's about the ritual of power. Editor: Exactly! And it's all meticulously rendered, down to the little button details on their outfits. You can almost feel the weight of those elaborate feathered hats and those little shoes with the tiny ribbons! Think about all the craftsmanship that went into each little costume bit. What kind of ink do you imagine was used for such a light drawing, sepia? Curator: Likely, though perhaps touched with bistre. It’s amazing how, through something as seemingly simple as pen and ink, Buys could evoke so much texture – the sheen of satin, the rough bark of the trees… you are so right about the clothes, I can almost see and touch them. To me it suggests Buys was trying to elevate drawing – traditionally a means to an end - to the level of painting. Editor: Absolutely, it blurs those art/craft boundaries so delightfully. I can't help but think of all the labor—the making of paper, the mixing of inks. It asks us to consider the hidden labor involved in image making! Curator: It definitely adds layers to how we understand history itself. Now, having really looked and thought together, I come away seeing a real meeting of artistry and document, a quiet drama made all the more striking for its soft, subdued nature. Editor: For me, it is such a great look at how clothing, textiles, and just everyday material life can play a leading role in visual narratives, creating an access point that opens up the past!