Triomftocht van Willem van Oranje, rechterplaat 1623 - 1626

Cornelis van Kittensteyn created this print of 'Triumph of William of Orange' with etching in the 17th century. Note how Kittensteyn masterfully composes the scene to create a dynamic interplay between the earthly and the divine. Observe the structured layout, dividing the composition into distinct horizontal registers: figures on horseback in the middle-ground, cherubic figures filling the upper zones and the banners overhead. The procession unfolds with a rhythmic cadence. Each horse and rider are carefully delineated and contribute to the overall sense of forward movement and upward to the heavens. This procession can be seen as a metaphor for the Protestant cause, each element acting as a signifier within a complex symbolic language of power, legitimacy, and divine favor. The strategic arrangement of figures, banners, and symbols invites us to consider the intricate web of political and religious meanings that Kittensteyn sought to convey. Consider how this print engages with ideas of propaganda and representation.