Willem II, graaf van Holland, in Keulen tot ridder geslagen, 1248 1792 - 1794

This engraving by Jacobus Buys depicts the knighting of Willem II, Count of Holland, in Cologne in 1248. Created between 1792 and 1794, the artwork captures the ceremonial moment in a Gothic church setting, highlighting the intricate details of the event. The central figure of Willem II stands in full armor, receiving his knighthood from a prelate, while onlookers witness the historical moment. The artwork, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, showcases Buys’s detailed style and his ability to capture the historical significance of events. It offers a glimpse into the ceremonies and rituals surrounding knighthood in medieval Europe.