Katafalk van de Infante Balthasar te Antwerpen (zijaanzicht), 1647 1647

This is Wenceslaus Hollar's 1647 print, "Katafalk van de Infante Balthasar te Antwerpen (zijaanzicht)," now held at the Rijksmuseum. Hollar, working in a period of significant political and religious conflict, captures here the elaborate catafalque, or funeral structure, erected for Prince Balthasar Charles, son of Philip IV of Spain. The print offers insight into the intricate dance between power, religion, and dynastic succession in 17th-century Europe. The text surrounding the image, with its Latin inscriptions, speaks to the perceived divine right of kings and the mourning of a lost heir. Yet, it is also a stark reminder of the personal tragedies that often underpin grand historical narratives. The emotional weight of the piece lies in the contrast between the monumental structure and the fragility of life, embodied in the young prince's death. Hollar's detailed rendering invites reflection on how death rituals have historically been used to consolidate power and legitimize rule, while also serving as a focal point for collective grief and remembrance.