Prinses Elisabeth van Frankrijk in de gevangenis, 10 mei 1794 1867

Charles Rochussen captured Princess Elisabeth of France in prison with this work. Notice how the light falls dramatically upon her, but the shadows envelop everything else. The act of cutting hair, seen here, has powerful symbolic weight. Think of Delilah shearing Samson's locks, or the tonsuring of monks; hair denotes strength, freedom, and identity. Its removal signifies a loss of power, a submission to fate, or transition from one state to another. Observe how Elisabeth is presented as a sacrificial figure. Her downcast gaze and pallid dress evoke vulnerability, mirroring countless depictions of saints and martyrs throughout history. The image is not merely a depiction of a historical event, but an archetype of female suffering. It is a visual echo of collective memory, of shared human experiences of loss and subjugation that engage viewers on a subconscious level. It resurfaces and evolves, taking on new meanings across time.