Aanslag op de prins, 1584 1871 - 1873

This etching by William Unger visualizes the assassination of Prince William of Orange in 1584 using dark ink on a light background. The composition, framed by an arched doorway, immediately draws our eyes to the figures and the moment of action. Unger uses stark contrasts and intricate lines to convey the somber atmosphere of betrayal and violence. The structural perspective guides us from the shadowed foreground to the brightly lit staircase, a semiotic system of signs which highlight the disjunction between the Prince’s unsuspecting ascent and the assassin’s hidden intent. Consider the play of light and shadow – the Prince is bathed in light, a symbol of his visibility and power, while the assassin lurks in the darkness, a visual metaphor for deception. The architectural setting, with its rigid lines and cold stone, further accentuates the drama of the event. Notice how the structure reinforces the narrative, emphasizing the contrast between order and chaos, public and private, life and death. Art like this challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths, reflecting on the precarious nature of power and the enduring impact of historical violence.