The Debarkation of Mary Stuart, Greeted by Willem II 1649

Gerard van Honthorst's "The Debarkation of Mary Stuart, Greeted by Willem II" depicts a scene of the arrival of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, to the Netherlands in 1649. The artwork utilizes chiaroscuro, a technique that creates dramatic contrast between light and dark areas. The central figures, Mary Stuart and Willem II, are bathed in light, while the surrounding figures, symbolizing the welcoming Dutch people, are shrouded in shadow. The use of dramatic lighting and rich colours contributes to the theatrical and dynamic feel of the artwork.