Intocht van de prins in Salisbury, 1688 1688 - 1689

This etching, dating from 1688, captures the Prince's entry into Salisbury through a meticulously detailed composition. The eye is immediately drawn to the densely packed figures in the foreground and the sprawling landscape with the city skyline. The artist uses linear precision to define forms and textures which constructs a scene rich in semiotic potential. We see a man in a tree, a crowd in the center, and soldiers in the background, each acting as signs. Together, they may suggest the layers of society involved in this historical moment. The stark contrast between foreground and background creates a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the approach as a spectacle. This use of perspective flattens the narrative space, bringing the background closer and challenging our traditional understanding of depth. The etching transforms an event into a symbolic discourse, using its formal elements to engage with ideas of power, reception, and historical record.