Moord op Willem van Oranje, 1584 1824 - 1898

Auguste Tilly created this monochromatic print, "Moord op Willem van Oranje, 1584," using engraving techniques to capture a dramatic historical event. The composition is arranged with a clustering of figures around the central, collapsing form of William of Orange. Tilly masterfully uses line and shadow to evoke a sense of chaos. The angular lines of the architecture, like the staircase, contrast with the curved figures, creating visual tension that mirrors the scene's emotional turmoil. The crosshatching creates depth, emphasizing the weight of the moment, and drawing our eyes to the unfolding tragedy. The piece employs a semiotic system of signs, where each element—the fallen body, the fleeing figures, even the discarded weapon—contributes to a narrative of betrayal and loss. Here, Tilly invites us to decode the symbolic weight of each figure and object, reflecting the broader cultural anxieties around power.