Lijkstatie van Willem IV, 1752, plaat 13 1752

Jan Punt made this print in 1752, it depicts the funeral procession of William IV, Prince of Orange, using etching and engraving. The print meticulously documents the hierarchy of Dutch society through the various figures participating in the procession. On the left we see military officers in their colorful regalia, while on the right, somber-clothed citizens represent the civic authorities. This image was made at a time when the House of Orange held significant political power in the Dutch Republic. Punt’s detailed rendering of the procession underscored the importance of social rank and the solemnity of the occasion but may also have served as a commentary on the existing power structures. To better understand Punt's print, one might consult historical records, such as period newspapers, and archival documents from the House of Orange. These provide valuable context, enabling us to interpret the print's significance within its specific social and institutional environment.