Lijkstatie van Willem IV, 1752, plaat 27 1754 - 1755

Jan Punt created "Lijkstatie van Willem IV, 1752, plaat 27", in 1752 using etching. The somber procession is illustrated with remarkable precision using delicate etched lines. The eye is drawn to the stark contrast between the dark, draped horses and the lighter robes of the mourners, creating a rhythmic pattern. The figures are arranged in a linear composition, emphasizing the solemn, forward movement. The etching technique itself – a medium of exacting detail – underscores the formality and gravity of the event. The procession is not just a depiction of mourning but also a structured display of social order and the spectacle of power. The linear arrangement and the stark monochrome palette reinforce the theme of solemnity and the inescapable finality of death. Notice how the artist balances the weight of the dark elements with the lightness of the open space. This balance serves to highlight the structured, almost ritualistic nature of the procession, turning a personal loss into a public declaration of continuity.