Sterfbed van Frederik Hendrik, 1647 1647

Cornelis van Dalen I made this print of the death of Frederick Hendrick in 1647. It depicts the Prince of Orange on his deathbed, surrounded by family and dignitaries. This image tells us much about the political and social structures of the Dutch Republic in the mid-seventeenth century. The print was made during the Dutch Golden Age. Frederick Hendrick's leadership was crucial in the young republic's struggle for independence from Spain. Note the inclusion of family members and state officials, their presence underscores the importance of dynastic succession and stable governance. Such images worked to legitimize the House of Orange, solidifying its role in Dutch society. The inclusion of religious figures also shows the intersection of political power and religious authority. To fully understand this image, we need to look at period documents, political pamphlets, and other visual representations of the Dutch ruling class to discover the social function of portraiture and the image of power.