Vertrek van Willem III naar Engeland, 1688 1689

Curator: Good morning. We’re looking at Bastiaen Stopendael’s 1689 engraving, “Departure of William III to England, 1688," currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It's striking! Such meticulously detailed lines. The sheer number of ships stretching into the distance gives me a feeling of immense scale and power… a real show of force. Curator: Precisely. Stopendael has captured a pivotal moment in history. Note the organizational line work creating a visual rhythm across the fleet of ships, which guide the viewer's eyes deep into the marine space. This isn't just any departure; it's William of Orange leaving for England to claim the throne during the Glorious Revolution. Editor: A revolution indeed! This image really highlights the power dynamics at play. While it's ostensibly about William's voyage, who gets represented and how they are represented matters greatly. I see bustling activity in the foreground with numerous figures embarking, the narrative positioning William as a divinely appointed leader, supported by a grand fleet. Curator: Indeed, that top banner explicitly reads “Departure of His Highness to England". The engraving masterfully employs linear perspective, reinforcing William’s central role and authority in this historical drama. Editor: But think about the indigenous populations who will feel the ripple effects of colonial decisions enacted as a result of this voyage. Who are the stories we prioritize? Is this historical narrative as "glorious" for everyone? Curator: That's certainly a valid consideration to remember the full historic complexities of colonialism. By understanding Stopendael’s methods, we can more completely parse this engraving for its design and historical insight, no matter where our cultural backgrounds lie. Editor: And perhaps, in critically re-examining these power-infused moments we are better placed to re-contextualize the "winners'" narratives with the silenced voices from history.