Allegorie op de aanstelling van Willem III als koning van Groot-Brittannië, 1689 1689

Jan Broedelet created this engraving, "Allegorie op de aanstelling van Willem III als koning van Groot-Brittannië" in 1689, deploying a complex configuration of figures and symbolic objects. The immediate impression is one of baroque exuberance, with dynamic lines and tonal contrasts creating a dramatic scene. The composition is carefully structured, drawing the eye from the lower left towards the central figure of William III, positioned to receive symbols of power. Notice the use of light and shadow. This reinforces the allegory of ascension and divine right. The piece engages with the semiotic language typical of its time, using classical allegories to frame contemporary political events. The interplay of figures such as Britannia and various putti, alongside the symbols of crowns and globes, functions as a coded commentary on power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical landscape. The structure of the print encourages us to consider how it might destabilize the traditional notions of sovereignty through its rich layering of signs and allegorical figures. Ultimately, this engraving serves as an intricate visual argument, its formal elements deeply entwined with the ideological currents of the late 17th century.