Portret van Willem II, koning der Nederlanden 1840 - 1842

This is Jan Dam Steuerwald’s portrait of Willem II, King of the Netherlands. In the 19th century, representations of royalty were carefully crafted to project power and legitimacy. Steuerwald, working in this environment, offers us a glimpse into the construction of royal identity through art. Consider the weight of representation, particularly for those in positions of power. Willem II, as a monarch, inherited a role steeped in tradition, yet he also lived during a time of immense social and political change. How might he have navigated the expectations of his position while also striving to assert his own identity? Here we see a profile of the King: the stern face, and tightly curled hair, all rendered in cool grey tones, which give a sense of distance. As you consider this artwork, reflect on how images shape our understanding of history, and how they influence the way we perceive ourselves and others.