Portret van Emma, koningin-regentes der Nederlanden 1890 - 1908

Here we see an anonymous portrait of Emma, Queen Regent of the Netherlands. It is rendered in monochrome, likely an engraving or lithograph. Note how Emma delicately holds a closed fan. Throughout history, fans have served as more than mere instruments for cooling. In royal portraiture, they denote status, refinement, and a controlled presentation of self. We find similar symbolic use of fans in Japanese art, where they can represent authority and good fortune. Observe, though, the subtle tension: Emma’s grip on the fan isn't relaxed, and her stance is somewhat stiff. Could this suggest an underlying anxiety or the weight of her regency? Such subtle indicators resonate with the viewer, engaging our subconscious understanding of human emotion. These symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and gain new life, shaped by the ever-turning wheel of cultural memory.