Sleutel bij de prent van de begrafenis van wijlen koning Willem II te Delft op 4 april 1849. 1849

This undated print by an anonymous artist at the Rijksmuseum depicts the funeral of King Willem II in Delft on April 4, 1849. The composition is strikingly unusual. Framed by rocky outcrops and foliage, the scene unfolds within a contour that mimics a kind of natural amphitheater. Within this space, various figures are meticulously arranged, almost as if part of a theatrical production. The artist uses the linear qualities of engraving to create a sense of depth and separation, with numbered figures corresponding to a legend below. This creates a structured order reminiscent of cartographic or scientific illustration. Yet, the soft hatching and delicate lines also suggest a sense of mourning. Ultimately, the print’s power lies in its unique synthesis of topographic precision and symbolic representation. It invites us to contemplate how historical events are not just recorded but actively constructed through visual means, challenging us to consider the relationship between representation and remembrance.