Vlucht van koningin Maria van Modena uit Whitehall, 1688 1689

Pieter Pickaert created this engraving titled 'Flight of Queen Mary of Modena from Whitehall, 1688’. Notice how the composition is structured around horizontal bands of activity, from the bustling foreground with boats, figures, and architectural elements, to the quieter skyline. The use of a monochromatic palette, typical of engravings, emphasizes tonal contrasts and intricate line work. Pickaert skillfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to model forms and create depth, but also to introduce dynamic and shifting light and shadow. This piece is not just a historical record but also a study in visual dynamics. The structured yet energetic rendering of the scene reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns of its time. The engraving’s formal qualities invite us to consider how it functions aesthetically, and as a narrative within larger cultural and political discourses. Art is always open to ongoing interpretation, shifting with the tides of time and perspective.