Hendrik III vermoord door een monnik, 1589 1722 - 1782

Curator: This is a print made sometime between 1722 and 1782 by Simon Fokke, currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Its title translates to “Henry III Murdered by a Monk, 1589.” Editor: The initial impression is chilling. There's a clear sense of tension created by the diagonal lines converging on the King. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the somber nature of the scene. Curator: Absolutely. Notice the open doorway in the background, revealing armed guards, in stark contrast to the seemingly innocuous setting of the King’s chamber. The event carries layers of symbolism tied to religious and political power struggles of the time. A seemingly devout figure commits regicide; think of the psychological blow. Editor: And the way the figures are positioned near that table cluttered with writing implements suggests an interruption, the disruption of order, even civility. The folds in the curtain, too, draw attention, almost like it’s trying to conceal the violent act. Curator: Yes! That visual device guides the eye. The image’s lasting impact relies on understanding the deeper significance of religious clothing, like that worn by the assassin, to provoke strong emotional reactions to the instability this assassination symbolized. Royal power and divine will are visibly challenged. Editor: Considering the stark, linear quality, the print technique really supports the stark message. The artist clearly prioritized clarity of line to emphasize the drama of the historical moment. The line, itself, feels brutal, unforgiving. Curator: Indeed. It distills a complex event into a readily accessible image imbued with enduring emotional and historical significance. A singular dramatic moment preserved for posterity. Editor: And how the choices related to form and composition underscore that sense of immediate crisis. Fokke uses line to not just represent the historical event but its deep emotional and political consequences.