Deel van de optocht, nr. 13 1559

This engraving, "Deel van de optocht, nr. 13," was made by Joannes van Doetechum around the late 16th century. The composition is striking in its arrangement of figures and text, almost like a choreographed display. The eye is drawn to the procession of figures, each meticulously rendered with a sharp contrast between light and shadow. The artist uses line work to create texture and depth. Hatching and cross-hatching define the contours of the figures, their garments, and the horses, giving them volume. This technique, coupled with the restrained palette, creates a sense of gravitas appropriate for a scene of stately procession. The layout of the lettering above each figure feels integrated with the visual elements below, enhancing the overall design. This integration suggests an underlying structure where text and image are not separate, but are components of a cohesive semiotic system.