Prinses Maria neemt afscheid bij haar vertrek naar Engeland, 1689 1689

This small etching by Pieter Pickaert depicts Princess Mary’s departure to England in 1689. It’s a fascinating image because it reveals the public role of the monarchy in the Netherlands at this time. Made shortly after the Glorious Revolution, the image creates meaning through visual codes. We see commoners kneeling before royalty, who are dressed in fine fabrics. The image highlights historical associations as this Dutch princess became Queen of England, a shift in power and religion that was hugely consequential for Europe. This event shaped artistic production, and its impact can be further understood through sources such as personal letters or state documents. As historians, we understand that art is contingent on social and institutional context. This etching offers an example of the politics of imagery, and we can use it to reflect on the social conditions that shape artistic production.