Lijkstatie van Willem IV, 1752, plaat 12 1752

Jan Punt created this print in 1752, it's titled 'Lijkstatie van Willem IV, 1752, plaat 12', or Funeral Procession of Willem IV, 1752, plate 12. This image offers a glimpse into the hierarchical structures of 18th-century Dutch society through the lens of a somber state event. On the left, we see the 'Cent Suisses', recognizable for their distinctive uniform, and on the right are land and sea officers. Their positioning in the procession, their attire, and even their posture, speak volumes about rank, privilege, and the performance of power. The very act of meticulously documenting Willem IV’s funeral points to a society deeply invested in the symbolism of monarchy and military might. But it also hints at the complexities of identity at the time, as the ‘Swiss Guard’ represents a foreign presence within the Dutch Republic's power structure, itself a reflection of mercenary practices common in Europe. Consider how the artist invites us to contemplate not just a historical event, but also the intricate layers of identity, power, and representation that defined the Dutch Republic.