De begrafenisstoet van Frederik Hendrik (plaat nr. 8), 1647 1651

Pieter Nolpe created this print, “De begrafenisstoet van Frederik Hendrik (plaat nr. 8),” in 1647 as part of a series commemorating the funeral procession of Prince Frederik Hendrik of Orange. The print offers a glimpse into the rigid social hierarchies of the Dutch Golden Age. We see a procession of men, each group distinguished by their profession and social standing—from pleaders and advocates to auditors and secretaries. The uniformity in dress, yet clear segregation of groups, speaks volumes about the era’s emphasis on order and status. Nolpe’s work highlights the importance of public spectacle in solidifying social and political power. The print invites us to reflect on how such displays reinforce societal norms and who is included or excluded from these representations of power. What does it mean to witness such a meticulously organized display of grief and authority?