Begrafenisstoet van aartshertog Albrecht (plaat VII), 1622 1623

Cornelis Galle I created this print titled "Funeral Procession of Archduke Albrecht," plate VII, in 1622. Visually, the procession of figures creates a rhythmic pattern across the composition. The eye is drawn along the horizontal line formed by the chaplains. Each figure is delineated by fine, precise lines, creating texture in their robes and hats, and the shading gives a sense of volume and depth. The print's structure, with its emphasis on order and repetition, reflects the hierarchical nature of the court. The semiotic system at play here involves the visual encoding of power and status through clothing, posture, and arrangement. The image's emphasis on collective representation over individual expression raises questions about identity and individuality within institutional structures. The artist uses the formal elements to convey the cultural and philosophical ideas that were crucial in the 17th century. This detailed rendering invites ongoing interpretation and discussion about representation, authority, and the semiotics of power.