Vertrek van Alva uit Amsterdam, 1573 1780 - 1782

Barent de Bakker created this small engraving, "Departure of Alva from Amsterdam, 1573," using fine lines to create a detailed, nocturnal scene. The composition is structured around a central, horse-drawn carriage, departing under the watchful eye of onlookers, and beneath a crescent moon. The artist’s use of light and shadow is particularly striking. De Bakker uses shadow to create depth and texture, especially in the architectural details and the figures. Light catches the edges and surfaces, giving form to the darkness. This emphasis on light serves not just to illuminate but to heighten the dramatic tension of the scene. We might consider how the sharp contrast between light and dark functions as a visual metaphor, reflecting the tense political climate. This piece offers a structured reflection on power, departure, and public sentiment during a pivotal historical moment.