Huwelijk van prins Willem II en Maria Stuart, 1641 1649 - 1651

This is an anonymous engraving from 1641, now held in the Rijksmuseum, depicting the "Marriage of Prince William II and Mary Stuart." The composition is meticulously structured, with symmetrical balance enhanced by the rich textures of drapery and detailed figures. The artist uses a formal arrangement of space to emphasize hierarchical relationships. The placement of figures on elevated platforms suggests the construction of social order and political power. Notice how the cherubic figures and divine light from above act as visual markers, framing the couple. This draws our attention to the interplay between earthly and divine authority, reinforcing the legitimacy of the union. The detailed lines and hatching create varied tonal values, shaping both the literal depiction and broader concepts about nobility, duty, and divine right. The artist uses these formal elements not just to record the event, but to encode its deeper cultural and political significance. The artwork serves as a site for examining the intersections of art, power, and representation.