Plate 37: Men with heraldic flags and horses from Zeeland and Holland marching in the funeral procession of Archduke Albert of Austria; from 'Pompa Funebris ... Alberti Pii' 1623

Cornelis Galle I created this print, "Plate 37" sometime before 1650, part of a series documenting the funeral procession of Archduke Albert. The composition is neatly divided, presenting a symmetrical tableau of heraldic display from Zeeland and Holland. Observe how the artist uses clear lines and contrasting colors to delineate each group. On either side, the figures stand rigidly, their dark robes providing a stark contrast to the vibrant colors of the flags and horse trappings. This contrast isn't just decorative; it creates a visual hierarchy, drawing our eyes to the symbols of power and regional identity. Galle’s work highlights the spectacle of the funeral, transforming mourning into a display of political and social order. The flags, rendered with careful detail, function as signs, encoding the status and territories of the deceased Archduke. Note the flatness of the figures; this choice flattens the space, turning the scene into an almost abstract arrangement of forms and colors. This artwork challenges fixed meanings, engaging with new ways of thinking about space, perception, power, and representation.