Graaf Willem II te Aken tot Rooms koning gekroond, 1248 1853 - 1861

Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren created this print, depicting Graaf Willem II's coronation in 1248, using etching techniques. The composition presents a contrast between the chaotic crowd scene on the left and the ordered, ceremonial right side, divided by the central figure holding a sword aloft. Notice how the artist uses line and form to establish a semiotic system. The sword, a recurring motif, symbolizes power and authority; its verticality is echoed in the flags and the posture of the central figure, reinforcing the idea of a divinely sanctioned rule. The kneeling figures, in contrast, signify submission. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates tonal variations, adding depth and texture to the scene. Consider the spatial organization: the ships in the background, the central stage, and the enthroned king. These layers create a narrative sequence, suggesting a journey from the outside world to the inner sanctum of power. The artist destabilizes the idea of absolute power, however. The chaotic crowd and the stern visages of the clergymen imply a kingdom built on both popular support and religious authority, a complex interplay of power dynamics.