Admiraal Michiel de Ruyter raakt tijdens de zeeslag bij Agosta dodelijk gewond, 1676 1840 - 1894

Adolf Carel Nunnink made this engraving of the mortally wounded Admiral Michiel de Ruyter in 1876. The central motif here is the fallen hero, cradled by his comrades—a scene laden with pathos. The motif carries echoes of the Pietà, where Mary cradles the body of Christ. The image of the Pietà became widespread during the Middle Ages, serving as a poignant reminder of mortality, sacrifice, and redemption. Consider the emotional weight of this scene—the collective grief, the personal loss, and the broader implications for a nation. The gestures of support and mourning recall similar depictions across time, from ancient Roman deathbed scenes to Renaissance depositions. These shared symbols tap into a collective unconscious, resonating deeply with viewers on a subconscious level. The image of the fallen hero continues to resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings in different contexts, always retaining that core of human emotion.