Koning Willem III trekt ten strijde, 1691 1691

Editor: So, here we have “Koning Willem III trekt ten strijde,” or "King William III goes to battle", created in 1691. It’s an engraving, currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. There's almost a sort of delicate chaos to it all. The mass of figures marching in the distance is just *barely* distinguishable from the landscape. What grabs your attention when you look at this piece? Curator: That ‘delicate chaos’ you mention…perfect! It whispers of war without the blunt force trauma of a battle scene. I see a ruler, William, posed stoically – almost statically - while the real drama unfolds in the swarm of figures behind him. He’s an icon, but the army? That’s where life, and potential death, truly teems. Makes you wonder if power is all pose and little action, doesn’t it? What do *you* make of his central placement versus the landscape? Editor: Well, it's interesting to think of the power dynamic between the individual and the collective. He's the focal point, but he seems so...isolated from his troops. Curator: Precisely! The engraving captures this pivotal moment. Line work almost vibrates – like heat rising. He is going off to war, in theory leading this grand display. But how much "leading" is he *really* doing? Maybe it's a critique wrapped in pomp and circumstance? Is it more a celebration, or simply historical record, you think? Editor: It's definitely given me a lot to consider about the glorification of war. Thanks! Curator: And me about seeing things with fresher eyes! It seems King William leading the charge in a parade…I never thought of it this way. It sounds quite cynical coming from you, but maybe it should…