April 12, 2024
NO RESERVE - 1755 funeral book of Dutch ruler HAND-SIGNED, 46 engravings!
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Prince Willem IV had ruled the Dutch Republic for four years when he died in 1751 at the age of 40. For those who wonder how royal blood could run a republic: it just did. Besides, the Orange-Nassaus didn't become actual kings until after Napoleon. Until then they were mere princes. Willem IV's funeral took place more than three months later. The very large illustrated report about the funeral, measuring 19.5x15x2'' ( compare front cover to the penny we have placed on top of it ), appeared in French and Dutch three years later, in 1755 . An early illustrated report about the Prince's deathbed and his remains, laying in state for weeks on end, was published in 1752 . Both reports, containing 46 original etchings total, are included in this book. The reason why production took so long is that first drawings were made by guys who were good at doing just that, working with pencils or charcoal. Copper plate etching was a different animal, and no one was better at it than artist Jan Punt . It was a lengthy process. Faces needed to be recognizable, clothes and uniforms needed to match reality, and it shows how much time Punt needed: each procession picture is dated, from 1752 all the way through 1754. The book contains a unique collection of 46 illustrations, large and detailed. They show how not only the powerful made their appearance,
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