Dirk IV gedood door een vergiftigde pijl, 1049 1675 - 1677

Romeyn de Hooghe made this print depicting the death of Dirk IV sometime in the late 17th century using etching. It shows a dramatic scene of battle and betrayal, and despite representing an event that happened over 600 years prior, it reflects the complex political landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. The image employs a visual language common in history painting to depict Dirk’s death. De Hooghe uses the visual language of heroism to examine the past. Consider the Dutch Republic's struggle for independence from Spanish rule during the Eighty Years' War, which concluded in 1648, just before this print was made. Historical narratives were crucial in shaping national identity and legitimizing political power. The print may have served as a reminder of the ever-present threats to Dutch sovereignty, both internal and external. By studying such images alongside historical texts and political pamphlets, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional contexts.