Koning op een troon bij een kust 1802 - 1809

Daniël Veelwaard created this print called, 'King on a Throne by the Coast', in the late 18th or early 19th century. As someone working in the Netherlands during the Enlightenment and subsequent French occupation, Veelwaard's art often engages with themes of power, authority, and social critique through satire. Here, the king is presented as a ridiculous figure. He is commanding the elements, but his power is undermined by the expressions of fear and skepticism on the faces of his courtiers. The tumultuous sea and distressed figures further mock the king’s authority and hint at the ineffectiveness of leadership amidst chaos. Veelwaard uses the visual language of caricature to challenge traditional notions of monarchy and aristocracy. The print embodies a broader critique of social hierarchies, questioning the legitimacy and competence of those in power. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its timeless commentary on the human condition, reminding us of the ever-present tension between power and accountability.