Deel van de optocht, nr. 28 1559 - 1619

Joannes van Doetechum created this engraving titled "Part of the procession, no. 28" in the 16th century. Van Doetechum was part of a family of printmakers in the Netherlands during a time of great political and religious upheaval. The print depicts two men in ceremonial attire, each bearing an object of power. On the left, 'Le P. d'orangs' carries a golden orb surmounted by a cross, a symbol of sovereignty. To the right, 'Don Aut de Toledo Prior de Leon' holds a crown. These figures are likely participants in a historical procession, a public display of power and order. The work can be viewed as a commentary on the visual performance of authority and the weight of its symbols during the early modern period. It also speaks to the role of the artist in documenting and, perhaps, subtly critiquing the spectacle of power. What stories do you think these figures carry?