Opstootje rond een terechtstelling 1751 - 1822

This print, "Opstootje rond een terechtstelling," was created by Noach van der Meer II. The monochromatic depiction of an execution relies on the formal interplay between light and shadow to structure its narrative. The composition directs our gaze to the central figure, arms outstretched, framed against a backdrop of looming figures with rifles. Van der Meer's meticulous etching technique captures the rough texture of the stone wall and the varied postures of the figures, lending a sense of immediacy to the scene. The sharp contrast between the dark, densely packed background and the lighter foreground accentuates the spatial depth, creating a claustrophobic environment. The formal tension in this print lies in the balance between the rigid lines of the soldiers' weapons and the fluid gestures of the condemned. This contrast serves not only to depict a historical event but also to invite reflection on power, justice, and human vulnerability. The formal rigor of Van der Meer’s print, while seemingly straightforward, opens up questions about the visual representation of authority.