Begrafenisstoet van Willem van Oranje, blad 9 1584 - 1638

Hendrick Goltzius created this print depicting William of Orange's funeral procession, capturing the somber and stately event. Notice the central motif of the coffin, draped and carried with great solemnity. The carrying of a deceased leader has roots in ancient funeral rites—consider the pharaohs of Egypt, carried to their resting places amidst great ceremony. This motif transcends cultures, reappearing in Roman imperial processions, and medieval royal funerals, each time adapted to reflect the specific cultural values and power structures. The gesture is repeated throughout time. It began as an expression of grief and respect, evolving into a powerful symbol of continuity and legitimacy. The collective memory of these processions underscores a deep, subconscious need to honor the dead and ensure the transfer of power. The emotional weight is palpable. The visual echoes of past rituals resonate, engaging viewers on a primal level. The non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.