Gedenkteken voor Lukas Willem baron van Essen te Barneveld 1795

This print by R. Ziesenis features a memorial to Lukas Willem baron van Essen. The composition is dominated by a sculpted monument. The stark contrast between the light figure and the darker background immediately draws the eye to the memorial itself. The monument is structured in layers, starting with a decorative base. Above this stands a pillar topped with a bust, likely of van Essen. An allegorical female figure, possibly an angel, leans against the bust. Her form is rendered with flowing lines. A wreath and other symbols add layers of meaning. The linear quality of the printmaking technique emphasizes the monument's form. This is not just a representation of a memorial, but an exploration of form and symbol. It prompts us to consider how public monuments function within society. They are not static objects, but rather dynamic sites of memory, power, and representation.