Hendrik III van Nassau-Breda, plaat 28 Possibly 1530 - 1620

Nicolaas Hogenberg's "Hendrik III van Nassau-Breda, plaat 28" presents a parade scene, rendered with meticulous lines on this engraving print. The eye is drawn to the central figure on horseback, surrounded by a dense assembly of soldiers, their spears creating a forest of vertical lines that emphasize the magnitude of the procession. Hogenberg's work, with its emphasis on structure and form, can be examined through a formalist lens to understand how it reflects broader cultural and philosophical concerns. The repetitive nature of the soldiers' figures and spears creates a visual rhythm, suggesting order and control. In terms of semiotics, the spear becomes more than just a weapon; it's a signifier of power and authority. Yet, the print’s composition, with the massed figures pressing upwards, creates a feeling of both grandeur and tension, asking us to think about the nature of leadership. Ultimately, the print's aesthetic isn’t merely decorative. It is part of a larger discourse on representation and power that invites continuous re-evaluation.