Grafmonument voor Engelbrecht II, graaf van Nassau-Dillenburg-Breda, 1504 1850 - 1930

This is an image of the Grafmonument voor Engelbrecht II, graaf van Nassau-Dillenburg-Breda, made in 1504 by an anonymous artist. The somber sepia tones of this image are immediately striking. The sculpture presents a complex layering of forms, from the supine figures atop to the burdened men supporting them. This creates a vertical thrust, which is counteracted by the horizontal plane where a suit of armour rests. The composition is highly structured, yet it also communicates themes of weight and burden. The figures appear strained, their postures suggesting the immense load they carry. Semiotically, the armour atop signifies status and protection. The figures below, through their strained posture, convey a narrative of sacrifice, duty and support. It's a dynamic interplay between the structural elements of the monument and its symbolic implications, giving us insight into power structures of that time.