Begrafenis van Willem Lodewijk, 1620 (blad 1) 1620

Pieter Feddes van Harlingen created this print titled, "Begrafenis van Willem Lodewijk, 1620" sometime in the 17th century. It's an intricate piece, dominated by structured rows of figures moving through a stark, geometric landscape. The somber procession, rendered in precise detail, conveys a sense of solemnity and order. The composition is segmented into clear, defined spaces, each containing groups of figures differentiated by their attire and position within the cortege. Feddes uses line and form to create a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the ranks and status of the participants. The overall effect is one of formal control, mirroring the social structures of the time. The print can be seen as a semiotic field, where each element—the clothing, the arrangement of figures, even the architectural backdrop—functions as a sign. These signs communicate ideas about power, social order, and the representation of death within the cultural context of 17th-century Netherlands. The work offers not just a record of an event, but an insight into the period's understanding of structure and meaning.