Het Afsterven van Z.M. Willem I. Voormalige Koning der Nederlanden Possibly 1843

This broadside, printed by T.C. Hoffers, memorializes the death of William I, the former King of the Netherlands. The somber mood is immediately apparent through the use of black ink on a light background, a stark contrast that conveys a sense of mourning. The composition is divided into distinct zones: an elaborate title, a symbolic image of a draped coffin beneath weeping willow trees, and dense blocks of text. The visual elements carry strong semiotic weight. The willow trees, with their drooping branches, represent grief and loss. The coffin, adorned with a crown and crossed swords, speaks to William's royal status and military background. These symbols engage with cultural codes of mourning and remembrance, typical of commemorative prints. The text, filled with biographical details, adds another layer to the piece. This combination of visual and textual elements shows how Hoffers challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to contemplate themes of power, legacy, and the fragility of life. The formal qualities of the print, therefore, are not merely aesthetic choices but a means of engaging with broader cultural and philosophical ideas about mortality and national identity.