Allegory of Faith; Allegorie op het Geloof Jacobus Buys (1724-1801)

The drawing presents a scene populated by two cherubic figures set against a backdrop of classical architecture and foliage. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the upward gesture of one figure.
On the left, a child kneels on a rocky surface, supporting what appears to be a miniature wooden cross with both hands. His posture suggests effort and perhaps vulnerability; his gaze is directed downwards toward the ground. He wears a simple garment draped around his waist, revealing the contours of his body.
To the right, another child stands upright, arms raised towards the sky in an expression of joyous abandon. This figure’s wings are clearly visible, suggesting a celestial origin or connection. The stance conveys a sense of lightness and aspiration. He is partially obscured by foliage on the right side of the composition, creating depth within the scene.
Behind the figures, a stone structure rises, topped with a decorative urn. A portion of a circular relief adorns the base of this structure, its imagery indistinct but hinting at symbolic meaning. The background fades into a hazy green and blue, suggesting an outdoor setting bathed in diffused light.
The artist’s use of watercolor allows for delicate gradations of tone and texture, contributing to the ethereal quality of the scene. The loose brushwork and lack of precise detail lend a sense of spontaneity and informality to the drawing.
Subtly, the juxtaposition of the kneeling figure bearing the cross with the standing figure reaching towards the heavens suggests a narrative arc – perhaps one of sacrifice and redemption, or earthly struggle and spiritual transcendence. The presence of classical architectural elements implies an association with established traditions and values. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and devotional sentiment.