Dood van Sébastien de La Ruelle 1637

Hendrik Noël Natalis made this print, "Death of Sébastien de La Ruelle," in 1637. It captures the assassination of the mayor of Liège, a stark image reflecting the political turbulence of the time. The print depicts La Ruelle lying in state, his body bearing the marks of violence, while a portrait of him stands in the background, a symbol of his life and service. The text underscores his sacrifice for civic laws, painting him as a martyr. It reflects the intersection of power, violence, and civic duty. The print serves as a historical record and a statement, memorializing La Ruelle's death while subtly commenting on the political climate that led to his assassination. It invites us to reflect on the cost of leadership and the ever-present threat of political violence. The raw emotion conveyed through Natalis's work highlights the vulnerability of those in power.