Wegvoeren van burgers in gevangenschap door Spaanse soldaten, 1567 1839 - 1863

Augustinus Jacobus Bernardus Wouters created this print of the ‘Removal of citizens in captivity by Spanish soldiers, 1567’ sometime between 1829 and 1904. The subdued palette and the receding perspective create a somber mood, drawing us into a scene heavy with historical weight. Note how Wouters uses a frieze-like composition, positioning the figures in a line that emphasizes the procession and the act of displacement. This arrangement flattens the space, turning the scene into a tableau of power and subjugation. The texture of the print, achieved through careful layering, adds depth to the soldiers' uniforms and the rough texture of the cart carrying the prisoners. The slightly elevated viewpoint allows Wouters to capture a wide range of emotions, from the stoicism of the captives to the sternness of the Spanish soldiers. By focusing on the formal arrangement and the emotional tenor, Wouters prompts us to consider how power is visualized and experienced. The print underscores the structural and emotional dimensions of historical narratives.