Uitvaart van prins Maurits, 1625 1625

This print, made in 1625 by an anonymous artist, depicts the funeral procession of Prince Maurits. It offers insight into the political and social hierarchies of the Dutch Republic at the time. Prince Maurits was a pivotal figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, a conflict deeply interwoven with religious, economic, and political tensions. His leadership helped shape the identity of the emerging Dutch state, influencing its military strategies and consolidating power. The procession itself is a carefully choreographed display of social rank, with each participant's position reflecting their status in society. The somber attire, the flags, and the order of march all speak to the performance of power and mourning. Yet, within this formality, we might also consider the personal grief and sense of loss experienced by those who marched. How did the weight of expectation and tradition shape their individual expressions of sorrow? Ultimately, this print invites us to reflect on the intersection of personal emotion and public spectacle. It prompts us to consider how such displays reinforce existing power structures while also providing a space for collective mourning and the construction of national identity.