Lijkstatie van Willem IV, 1752, plaat 17 1753

Jan Punt created this print of Willem IV’s funeral procession in 1752, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The composition unfolds horizontally, structured by distinct groups differentiated by colour and attire. We move from the somber blacks of the academics and officials on the left, to the vibrant reds and blues of the military figures on the right. The print uses colour not just to depict the scene, but to create a symbolic language, where the stark contrast highlights the social hierarchy and ceremonial order of the event. Punt's approach engages with semiotics, using visual elements as signs to communicate meaning. The careful arrangement of figures and the modulation of colour create a visual structure that communicates power and authority, while also suggesting a deeper reflection on mortality and legacy. Ultimately, it is this structured interplay of color and form that elevates the print beyond a mere depiction of a historical event, transforming it into a commentary on the social order and the spectacle of mourning.