Dedicatie bij een prentserie over het bezoek van stadhouder Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen te Amsterdam in 1768 Possibly 1773 - 1775

Curator: We're looking at an engraving held in the Rijksmuseum collection, "Dedicatie bij een prentserie over het bezoek van stadhouder Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen te Amsterdam in 1768." It was likely created sometime between 1773 and 1775 by Johannes Smit. Editor: It's a beautiful example of calligraphic engraving! It feels both intimate and stately, if that makes sense. The writing itself is almost a portrait in its elegant, flowing forms. Curator: The dedication is interesting because it provides insight into the political climate of the time. William V’s visit was a significant event, and these kinds of dedications often served to solidify the Stadtholder’s image and cement relationships with important figures in Amsterdam's publishing world. Editor: I see echoes of traditional symbols in the flourishes—they give a sense of continuity and legitimacy to the new leadership. Those elaborate initial capitals, the symmetrical layout—they evoke a deep cultural memory of royal pronouncements. It's fascinating how lettering itself can function as an icon. Curator: Absolutely. The print would have circulated among the upper classes. Consider that the choice of font and paper stock projects a sense of power and tradition to a fairly exclusive group, making this dedication itself part of a larger performance of power and privilege. Editor: Looking closer, the repeated invocations of "Doorluchtige Heer" are particularly interesting—"Illustrious Lord." I’m curious about the conscious choice of honorific and its connection to a certain ideal of leadership during that period. Were there other phrases they could have used, and what connotations did they carry? Curator: Exactly, and by extension, how the public display of the Stadtholder and his wife helped to reinforce his legitimacy during a tumultuous era. This print subtly but effectively bolsters that message by linking him with established symbols of authority and tradition. It reminds people of who holds the power and what principles bind them together. Editor: So much history revealed through the delicate dance of ink and paper. Now, every time I see beautiful calligraphy, I will wonder what hidden stories it carries. Curator: Me too. Seeing this has reminded me of the essential public role these art objects performed and how important they can be to political life.