Sterfbed van koning Willem III, 1702 1702

Pieter van den Berge created this print of the deathbed of King William III in 1702. As an engraving, the image is made by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing paper against it. The sharp lines allowed the artist to capture the textures of the scene: the heavy drapery of the bed hangings, the elaborate garments of the mourners, and even the fur of the dog at the foot of the bed. Each of these details speaks to the wealth and power that William III possessed. Yet, the image also hints at the labor required to produce this wealth. From the skilled artisans who created the textiles to the engraver, the print makes us consider the complex relationship between materials, making, and social status. By focusing on these processes, we can expand our understanding of the image and its cultural significance.