Dood van de graaf van Hoogstraten, 1568 1779

Theodoor Koning created this print, *Death of the Count of Hoogstraten, 1568*, using etching techniques. It depicts a dramatic scene of a nobleman’s demise within a somber forest setting. Produced in the late 18th century, this artwork reflects a renewed interest in the turbulent history of the Netherlands during the 16th-century revolt against Spanish rule. The Count of Hoogstraten was a key figure in the early stages of this conflict, and his death marked a significant moment in the struggle for Dutch independence. Koning, working under the cultural influences of the Enlightenment, revisits the early formation of the Dutch national identity, depicting the count’s death with a blend of pathos and heroic undertones. To fully appreciate Koning's print, we might delve into the archives and libraries, exploring pamphlets, chronicles, and visual records from both the 16th and 18th centuries. These sources will provide a richer understanding of the cultural, political, and artistic crosscurrents that shaped this compelling image.