Sneuvelen van Frederik Willem van Brunswijk, 1815 1815

This color print depicts the death of Frederick William of Brunswick during the Battle of Quatre Bras in 1815. Amidst the chaos of battle, we witness the hero’s fall—a scene laden with symbols of sacrifice and martyrdom. Consider the fallen soldier, a motif echoing through centuries of art, from ancient Roman battle reliefs to Renaissance depictions of Christ's crucifixion. The motif of the hero’s death carries a potent emotional charge. The image is less about historical accuracy and more about evoking feelings of patriotism and mourning. Like classical sculptures of dying warriors, the figure invites contemplation on mortality and glory. The swirling smoke and frenzied action tap into primal fears and anxieties associated with conflict, yet the heroic figure provides a focal point for catharsis. This image, like many before it, serves as a mirror reflecting our collective psyche.