Moord op Hendrik IV, 1610 1610 - 1612

Frans Hogenberg created this print titled 'Moord op Hendrik IV, 1610.' The composition is divided into three horizontal layers, each densely populated with figures. The foreground displays the assassination itself with a chaotic energy, contrasted by the middle ground where lines of people seem to flee or advance, and the background which provides a sense of depth using linear perspective. The use of etching allows for intricate detail, capturing the textures of clothing and architectural elements with remarkable precision. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, emphasizing the violence of the event. Hogenberg uses the signs of contemporary clothing to signify social roles and relations within the depicted space. The architectural backdrop adds to the story, as fixed forms against the fluid movement of the figures. The work invites us to reflect on how moments of extreme violence are visually recorded and interpreted. It serves not only as a historical record, but also as a cultural artifact laden with symbolic weight.