Begrafenisstoet van Anna Paulowna (blad 7), 1865 1865

This lithograph of Anna Paulowna’s funeral procession was made anonymously in 1865. Observe the striking image of the horse-drawn carriage, a symbol of status and solemnity, set against the backdrop of mourning. The procession motif is an ancient one, echoing in Roman triumphal arches and medieval tapestries, each iteration carrying its era's weight of loss and legacy. Note how the horses, in their measured gait, recall the steeds of antiquity, yet here they pull a modern hearse. The coat of arms, carried aloft, is not merely heraldry, but a potent emblem of lineage and historical continuity. It hearkens back to family crests, yet its display at a funeral underscores the ephemerality of earthly glory. This scene evokes a profound sense of collective memory, tapping into our shared understanding of mortality. The image reminds us that while symbols may evolve, their ability to stir deep emotions remains constant.