Koning Willem III tijdens de slag aan de Boyne, 1690 1779 - 1781

John Hall created this engraving of 'Koning Willem III tijdens de slag aan de Boyne, 1690'. The composition is dominated by King William III on horseback, centrally positioned as a beacon amidst the swirling chaos of battle. Notice how Hall uses the tonal range, from the dense blacks of the storm clouds to the delicate greys of the distant soldiers. This creates depth and drama, and draws our eye towards the King. Consider how the use of light and shadow shapes the narrative. The light seems to isolate the king, casting him as a lone figurehead. He is surrounded by a flurry of activity, yet remains untouched by the surrounding drama, thereby elevating his status. This calculated arrangement reinforces the power dynamics at play in the image, suggesting how an image can control perception, and shape history itself.