Gedenkplaat bij het 25-jarige regeringsjubileum van koning Willem III 1849-1874 1874

Roelof Karsses created this commemorative print celebrating King Willem III’s 25th anniversary in 1874. The print presents a complex array of symbols and figures within a rigidly symmetrical composition. Karsses employs strong vertical and horizontal axes, using allegorical figures of strength and justice to frame a portrait of the King. Note how the precise engraving style lends a formal, almost bureaucratic air to the piece, typical of state-commissioned art. The allegorical figures holding a crown above the portrait suggest divine endorsement, reinforcing the legitimacy and power of the monarchy through familiar iconographic language. The inclusion of cityscapes and ships implies the prosperity and reach of Willem’s kingdom, creating a visual narrative of stability and progress. The rigid symmetry and detailed rendering serve not just as aesthetic choices, but as structural elements designed to convey a specific message of enduring royal authority and national pride. This print thus functions as both a work of art and a carefully constructed piece of political communication.