Begrafenisstoet van aartshertog Albrecht (plaat XXXV), 1622 1623

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving in 1622, depicting the funeral procession of Archduke Albert in the Habsburg Netherlands. The image meticulously details the social hierarchy and the elaborate rituals surrounding death in the early 17th century. The figures represent various noble houses such as Flanders, Artois and Charolois. We see them participating in the procession, highlighting the significance of lineage and social standing in that era. The inclusion of heraldic symbols and titles further emphasizes the importance of noble identity and its connection to political power. This work serves as a visual document of the social structures that shaped artistic production. Art historians study court records, personal letters, and other archival materials to examine the artist's role in perpetuating or challenging prevailing social norms and how institutions like the Habsburg court influenced artistic expression. By delving into the socio-political context, we gain a richer understanding of the meanings embedded within the work.