Sterfbed van koningin Maria, 1695 1695

This engraving, made in 1695 by an anonymous artist, captures the deathbed scene of Queen Mary. Notice how the composition is structured along a central axis, drawing our eye from the ornate bed towards the gathering of figures. The artist uses line and shadow to create a sense of depth, dividing the space into zones of activity and observation. The stark contrast between the dark, densely etched foreground and the lighter background emphasizes the somber mood. The formal arrangement here isn't just about representation, it serves to structure our perception, framing the event within a set of symbolic and social relations. The attention to detail and the staging of the scene reveal the cultural codes and power dynamics at play in memorializing a royal death. This careful construction invites us to consider how such images not only record but also shape historical memory.