Tekstblad bij de begrafenis van Willem Lodewijk, graaf van Nassau, in de Grote Kerk te Leeuwarden, 1620 1620

This is a text sheet from 1620 by Claes Jansz. Visscher, likely etched in ink on paper, commemorating the funeral of Willem Lodewijk, Count of Nassau, at the Grote Kerk in Leeuwarden. The visual impact is dominated by the ordered arrangement of text blocks, each a structured unit defined by a consistent typeface. The use of contrasting boldface draws the eye, creating a visual rhythm that guides the reader. Visscher's work functions semiotically. The typographic choices and layout mirror the hierarchical structure of 17th-century Dutch society, emphasizing the importance of lineage and official roles. The absence of ornamental imagery directs focus to the text itself, underscoring its role as a formal record. This piece challenges fixed meanings by framing a moment of mourning within a rigid, almost bureaucratic structure. The rigid formalism evident in the organization of the text serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also acts as a cultural marker, reflecting the values and social order of the Dutch Golden Age.