Het Bloedbad van Naarden, 1572 after 1752

Noach van der Meer II created this etching, "The Massacre of Naarden, 1572," using black ink on paper. The scene is dominated by a stark composition of dark lines which emphasize the horrific event. The foreground is scattered with lifeless bodies, creating a disturbing pattern of violence. In the middle ground, soldiers are actively engaged in the massacre, their figures rendered with sharp, angular strokes that convey aggression and chaos. Buildings frame the scene, their detailed facades contrasting with the brutal actions unfolding below. This contrast underscores the destruction of order and civilization, and the sky filled with smoke adds to the overwhelming sense of dread. Ultimately, the formal structure of the etching, with its stark lines, strategic composition, and balance of detailed elements against chaotic action, serves to highlight the profound human tragedy and the collapse of societal norms during times of conflict.