Moord op de prins van Oranje, 1584 1618 - 1624

This anonymous engraving depicts the assassination of Prince William of Orange in 1584. The stark image is dominated by the act of betrayal, with Balthasar Gérard shooting William in cold blood. The act of assassination carries weighty symbolism; the gun, a relatively new weapon at the time, represents a shift towards impersonal violence. Consider Judith Slaying Holofernes, where Judith uses a sword, a symbol of honor, to behead Holofernes, an act both violent and brave. In contrast, here the gun suggests a cowardly act, devoid of honor, highlighting the political treachery of the time. The image evokes intense emotional reactions. The horror and injustice of the murder resonate deeply because they tap into primal fears of betrayal and loss. As we reflect on the cyclical nature of violence and treachery throughout history, this image serves as a chilling reminder of the enduring power of such dark impulses.