Lijkstatie van baron van Rheede van Oudshoorn te Kaap de Goede Hoop, 1773 1773

This print, made in 1773 by an anonymous artist, depicts the funeral procession of Baron van Rheede van Oudshoorn in Cape Town, South Africa. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and political hierarchy of the Dutch Cape Colony. The image meticulously documents the order of the procession. Military personnel, civic officials, and other dignitaries parade in a display of colonial power and prestige. The inclusion of cannons and armed soldiers underscores the importance of military strength in maintaining Dutch control in the region. The print was made to be included in a Dutch magazine called Mercurius. Prints like this one provide historians with valuable information about social rituals, colonial governance, and the visual culture of the 18th century. By studying such images, alongside archival documents and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of colonial societies. This reveals the ways in which power was asserted and social order maintained through carefully orchestrated public displays.