Hofhouding en muzikanten in de begrafenisstoet van prinses Maria Louise, 1765 1765

Rienk Jelgerhuis created this etching in 1765, depicting the funeral procession of Princess Maria Louise in the Netherlands. It offers a glimpse into the social rituals surrounding death and the performance of status in the 18th century. The print presents a stark image of social hierarchy through visual codes. Servants and musicians are carefully delineated, each group distinguished by their attire and role. The musicians, with their instruments, mark the solemnity of the occasion, while the servants in their robes embody the structured nature of courtly life. The procession is not just about mourning; it's a public display of power and order. To fully understand this image, we'd need to delve into archival records detailing court ceremonies and the visual culture of the Dutch Republic. Ultimately, this print serves as a reminder that art is embedded in social and institutional contexts.