A dynamic ink and wash drawing by Jacobus Buys depicting the historical accident of Mary of Burgundy in 1482.

This work by Jacobus Buys depicts the fatal accident of Mary of Burgundy, who fell from her horse while falconing near Bruges on 27 March 1482. The drawing captures the chaotic moment of the fall, with the horse rearing and the surrounding figures reacting to the sudden catastrophe. Buys employs a fluid, calligraphic line quality, using ink wash to create depth and shadow within the wooded setting. The composition focuses on the movement of the horse and the disarray of the riders, conveying a sense of immediate action rather than static portraiture.

Jacobus Buys was a prolific Dutch draughtsman and painter, active during the late eighteenth century. His work often focused on historical and allegorical subjects, reflecting the period's interest in national history and narrative art. This particular study demonstrates his ability to manage complex group scenes with limited tonal range, relying on the expressive quality of his ink strokes to define form and motion. The wash application provides a soft, atmospheric quality to the background trees, contrasting with the sharper, more defined lines of the figures in the foreground.

As a preparatory study or illustrative work, this piece offers a glimpse into the artistic process of the era. The sketch-like quality reveals the artist's initial approach to capturing a historical event, prioritising the energy of the scene over polished detail. The work remains a clear example of the illustrative traditions prevalent in the Netherlands during the late eighteenth century, where historical events were frequently revisited through the medium of ink and wash drawings.