Portret van Willem I Frederik, koning der Nederlanden c. 1815 - 1829

Claudio Linati created this portrait of Willem I Frederik, King of the Netherlands, using lithography, a method that democratized image production in the 19th century. Linati, an Italian artist with ties to revolutionary movements, likely saw in Willem a symbol of the restored European order after Napoleon. Notice the King’s formal attire. The weight of the crown, the scepter, the expectations. In his gaze, do you see power, weariness, or both? Linati’s lithograph captures not just a ruler but also the burdens of leadership during a period of significant social and political upheaval. This portrait exists within a complex web of power, representation, and identity. It prompts us to consider how leaders are constructed and perceived through art. It leaves us to reflect on the relationship between the individual and the state.