This graphite pencil drawing ‘The Peace Palace – 2026-06-10’ shows where the heart of international law lies. Symbolically girded by trees and flowers. There a plenty of reasons for making this one. Let me explain right from the start. My first drawing of the place was in 2019 and in its art statement I told you about my years as a lawyer. In fact, I studied international law in Leiden. Even though I’m an fulltime artist for years now you never can fully take the lawyer out of the artist. Consequently, those two are one and tell you a thing or two about my ‘Weltanschauung’. Such also clarify my interest in the Russo-Ukrainian war and my Slava Ukraini series as a result.
Elementary Particle
As a citizen and dutch person by origin I take a certain pride in our legal institutions. The Internation Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are the most prominent ones. Perhaps it is inappropriate to preach here and limit myself to talk about my art only. Let me, then, say something about the state of international law. It isn’t dead and very much alive. Many countries choose not to not live up to it and that’s a shame. However, international law governs over relations between states just like national law govern over private relations. The Golden Rule is one of them. Simple and essential but it seems further away removed from all of us than before. My sound belief is that such law is like an elementary particle. It’s integral part of our being. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away and eventually will rule nonetheless.
Mesdag’s Studio
Solemn language perhaps but the direct reason for this sketch was my visit to the Mesdag Collectie on March 21st. There was this nice little exhibition on Isaac Israëls’ love Van Gogh’s paintings. Two students of mine were attending a workshop ‘sketch a life model like Isaac Israëls’. It was held in Mesdag’s former studio on the first floor. Any artist would die for such a studio which is beautifully shaped as an oval. In the back there is a great view on the garden and The Peace Palace. Spring has come and trees were in bloom. Could this count for international law as well? You may say I’m a dreamer …
Graphite pencil drawing (Tombow Zoom 707, 0.5 mm, Pentel 4B) on Daler Rowney Smooth Heavyweight paper (21 x 14.8 x 0.1 cm – A5 format)
