De begrafenisstoet van Frederik Hendrik, plaat nr. 23 1651

Pieter Nolpe created this print, "The Funeral Procession of Frederik Hendrik, plate no. 23," sometime in the mid-17th century. The dominant visual element is the linear procession of figures dressed in dark, uniform cloaks and hats, set against a light background. This stark contrast emphasizes the somber and formal nature of the event. The composition is structured by a series of horizontal bands defined by the lines of figures. Nolpe uses repetition and symmetry, grouping individuals to reinforce the structured organization of power and status within the procession. The use of line and form, combined with the regimented arrangement, communicates a sense of order and control. This print not only documents a historical event but also reflects the cultural codes and hierarchical values of its time. The work’s formal qualities—its ordered linearity and stark contrasts—underscore the solemnity and the structural underpinnings of the socio-political landscape.