Begrafenisstoet van Willem van Oranje, blad 6 1584 - 1638

This is plate six from a series of prints by Hendrick Goltzius depicting the funeral procession of William of Orange. The work offers insights into the political and cultural climate of the Dutch Republic around 1600. Note how Goltzius uses the visual codes of heraldry, costume, and civic symbolism to emphasize Orange's status and the solemnity of the occasion. Details, such as the draped horse, the crests on the banners, and the somber attire of the procession participants, speak to the social hierarchy and the importance of public ceremony in that era. As historians, we look to period sources such as pamphlets, letters, and other visual representations to build our understanding of such events. By interpreting these elements, we can better understand the values, beliefs, and power structures of Dutch society at a pivotal moment in its history.