Begrafenis van koning Willem III, 1702 1702

Pieter van den Berge created this engraving of King William III's funeral in 1702, a spectacle of power and mourning. William III, or William of Orange, was a significant figure in European history, ruling both the Netherlands and England. In this detailed depiction, the procession winds through the city, a display of national identity and imperial reach. The focus on ceremony, from the elaborate mourning attire to the procession route, underscores the importance of symbolism in maintaining power. Consider the cultural context: funerals of monarchs were carefully orchestrated events designed to reinforce the social hierarchy. This image invites us to reflect on the relationship between the monarchy and its subjects, the performance of grief, and the intersection of personal loss and political power. The emotional weight of such events, especially the death of a ruler, cannot be understated.